The Postmistress by Sarah Blake

 

The town of Franklin, Massachusetts, is not sure what to think when their new postmistress arrives.  Iris James is a redheaded, middle-aged woman who is sure about what needs to be done with the mail.  She keeps the place spotless and the lines move along efficiently.  Another newcomer to the small town is Emma Trask who is Iris' total opposite.  She is a young woman, small and pretty, come to town to marry the town's doctor, Will.  

It is 1940 and the townspeople listen each night to broadcasts about the war the United States hasn't yet entered. Bombs are falling nightly on London and newscasters like Edward R. Murrow bear witness.  Frankie Bard is a woman reporter who is also there.  She reports on the bombings but after her roommate is killed, takes up her mission to report on the exodus of the Jewish population from the German held countries.  She meets Will there as he has volunteered to go to London to help with the overwhelming need for more doctors.  

Sarah Blake specializes in historical fiction set in New England.  This book explores the attitudes of the American population before World War II when many believed the war would never touch Americans and no one was thinking about the Jewish population and what was happening to them.  It also explores small town relationships, how everyone know everyone's business but how that leads to people taking care of their neighbors.  This book is recommended for historical fiction readers, especially those interested in World War II fiction.