Wartime Princess—Book Review

“It’s way too old for my babysitting kids,” my voice trailed off. What I was actually looking for was a picture book. Or at least, a high-illustrated non-fic. There was no chance my very active under-sixes were going to sit and listen to a 200 page novel, no matter how much I wanted a resource to highlight the Platinum Jubilee. But the cover begged me.

“Way too old for my kids. But you know, I might like it,” I ventured.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought,” the librarian replied.

Apparently, she knows me too well!

When I took Wartime Princess out of the library, I wasn’t really planning to review it. However, I ended up enjoying it so much I wanted to share it with all of you. And today, as the world reflects on the life of one of the greatest sovereigns Britain has ever known, it seems like the perfect time to highlight this story of the girlhood that made Queen Elizabeth II.

Book Details

1. Title: Wartime Princess (My Story Series)
2. Author: Valerie Wilding
3. Publisher: Scholastic Ltd.
4. Genre: Historical Fiction/Diaries
5. Number of Pages: 209
6. Theme: Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose in WWII
7. Age Range: 12+
8. Source: Amazon

Summary

WWII changed life for everyone in 1940s Britain—from Blitz-shaken Londoners to the two young Princesses hidden in Windsor Castle. In this diary-style novel by Valerie Wilding, Princess Margaret Rose tells a first-person story of Royal life before, during, and after the war, as two ordinary little girls grow into young women destined to shape their century. Whether you are laughing out loud at Margaret’s comical descriptions, or mourning with her over heartbreaking sufferings around the world, Wartime Princess is a story you won’t forget.

This book is incredibly well-researched and at the same time delightfully readable. It’s sensitive treatment of WWII makes it a fabulous history tie-in. Altogether, Wartime Princess just might be my favourite public library find of the year.

SAW Rating System—61/100

Great Qualities—35/50

Plot Development—7/10

Character Development—8/10

Command of Language—7/10

Impact of the book—8/10

Originality—5/10

Good Qualities—26/50

Innocence regarding evil—6/10

Active promotion of good—6/10

Level of spiritual challenge—4/10

Healthy view of life—6/10

Honouring God—4/10

You can find a detailed explanation of the SAW Publishing rating system here.

Red Flags

1. Romance and morality

Romance between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip is an ongoing—and in my opinion, slightly over-worked—theme through the book. Princess Margaret continually teases her sister about her interest in Philip, including brief references to kissing and holding hands. On the whole, there is much “silliness” but not a ton of involvement of the reader’s emotions.

The couple have a relationship and consider marriage substantially before the king’s permission is given for their engagement and this is considered “normal for ordinary girls” although not for princesses. The queen puts other young men in her daughter’s way in the hope that she might fall in love with one of them. However, while there is some friction over their consent, in general the princess’s parents are shown as being quite supportive of the relationship throughout the story.

2. Disturbing content

This book is set during WWII. Blitz realities, war atrocities, and the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are all mentioned. The Princesses also lose their uncle during a plane crash. Princess Margaret worries about the possibility of her sister being kidnapped by Nazi spies. While young readers might find a few paragraphs tense/disturbing, the sensitive issues in this book are very tactfully handled.

3. Language

Abundant but inoffensive slang, including “wizard” as a positive term, and the exclamation “Oh golly gosh!”

The word “idiot” is used once.

4. Alcohol and drug use (includes tobacco)

Reference is made to people drinking in celebration of victory.

Sir Winston Churchill is portrayed with his characteristic cigar.

5. Spiritual content

Faith does not play a strong role in the story, but mention is made of praying for those in distress, as well as attending church on several occasions.

Princess Margaret declares she “must be psychic” when a prediction comes true.

Characters are portrayed as lying on several occasions, to save face or to try to comfort stressed family members, and these lies are excused as being “harmless.”

6. Family roles and behavior

Both princesses attempt to wheedle their parents into consent on a number of occasions. Princess Margaret grumbles at times over being considered less important than her older sister. She also has moments of naughtiness. On the whole, however, loving and supportive family relationships are shown.

7. Mature subject matter

Brief mention is made of “fashionable nightclubs in the West End.”

Reading Wartime Princess

When I took this loveable little book out of the library the week before the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, I certainly wasn’t expecting to post my review on the day of her funeral. Still, it is special to be able to highlight it right now, as a tiny tribute to a sovereign whose unwavering courage, selflessness, and devotion to duty have inspired, and will continue to inspire, generations.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on Wartime Princess in the comments section below.

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