Welcome to my stop on Rachel’s Random Resources Book Tour for Wartime Comes to West India Dock Road by Renita D’Silva – a heart-breaking, heart-mending and richly evocative story of resilience, love, and the enduring spirit of a community under siege. Perfect for fans of Patricia McBride, Jean Fullerton and Call the Midwife.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2025 by Boldwood Books
1940. The Blitz rages, but life goes on in the heart of London’s East End.
Charity has spent her life keeping her family together – raising her younger brothers, running the family boarding house on West India Dock Road, and now shielding her fragile parents from the relentless bombardment outside their door. When her teenage brother runs away to enlist, she faces a battle she never expected – one that could tear her family apart. But help comes from an unexpected new arrival…
Across the road, Divya, a young Indian woman with a gift for cooking, has found a happy home among the dockside community. But as she feeds the neighbourhood at her bustling curry house, she secretly yearns for news of the man she loves, who is fighting for their freedom. Will she see him again?
As the bombs fall and the East End burns, the residents of West India Dock Road must rely on each other like never before. In a world shattered by war, friendships will be tested, love will be lost and found, and courage will be discovered in the most surprising places.
My Review:
Wartime Comes to West India Dock Road is the second in the West India Dock Road series by Renita D’Silva, but can be read as standalone for those readers new to the series. This is a moving historical saga, rich in atmosphere and strong characters. The story is told through Charity’s and Divya’s alternating points of views. Divya’s particularly are told through letters which I loved as a fan of epistolary novels. Both women are remarkable, showing great bravery and determination during some dark and trying times. The writing is vivid and I was immediately pulled into the story. I could easily visualize both the despair caused by the air raids and the beautiful camaraderie and community of the characters. A beautiful read.
About the Author:
Renita d’Silva is an award-winning author of historical fiction, often set partly in India, where she is from.
Author Links:
Facebook: @RenitaDSilvaBooks
Twitter: @RenitaDSilva
Instagram: @Renita_dsilva
Bookbub profile: @RenitaDSilva
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