Nella Last's War

In September 1939, housewife Nella Last from Barrow-in-Furness began writing a regular diary for the Mass Observation project, continuing for thirty years and producing over two million words during the war alone.

Her entries capture the challenges of rationing, bombing raids, family separations, and personal growth, including her reflections on marriage, motherhood, and newfound confidence through wartime voluntary work.

The book portrays the resilience of ordinary people, inspired the TV drama Housewife, 49 starring Victoria Wood, and provides an unrivalled social history of wartime Britain.