The Oaken Heart

In "The Oaken Heart," renowned crime writer Margery Allingham shares her poignant reflections during the early years of World War II while living in the Essex village of Tolleshunt D’Arcy. Tasked with caring for 275 evacuated children amidst the local community, she documents the stark realities of life during the London Blitz with unflinching honesty, blending humor and sorrow. This evocative narrative serves as a personal and detailed account of how war transformed daily life in a small village, capturing the fear and resilience of its residents.