As the local magistrate it is Laurence Dunne's responsibility in 1943 to complete an inquiry into the worst civilian disaster of World War Two: the Bethnal Green tube disaster. Thirty years later, his decisions are under the spotlight. Based on a real event, this novel alternates between the two periods examining the fraught search for blame and the issue of truth for a grieving community.
Compelling and thought provoking.
Comments from Groups
We loved the book and spent a lot of time discussing it. Mapua 001
We all liked this book, thought it well written, interesting, with credible characters. It highlighted a little known (to us) event of WW II. One of this year's better books. Auckland 039
A well-written evocation of a tragic true event; we found the links to contemporary thinking about WW II thought-provoking. A very good read. Wellington 116
Enjoyed characterisation and the story. Easy and interesting read. Brought home the complex reality of war and how difficult life was for those left in Britain to cope with the bombing and deprivation. Taupo 006
Mixed review - half didn't enjoy the book and found it boring. The other half did enjoy it and found it interesting!! A part of history we don't usually hear about. Nelson 021
Pages
235
Year
2010
Reviews
PAIHIA 001
03-08-2023
Most of us enjoyed it as an easy read, although some didn't really see the "point".
WELL 042
02-08-2023
The book was interesting and stimulated a lot of discussion.
WHANG 018
02-08-2023
Most members enjoyed 'The Report' mainly because of the fascinating historical information.
WHIRITO 001
02-08-2023
Most of the group enjoyed this book. What an authentic journey for the people concerned. Took so much time to find out the truth about Sharyn.
WELL 012
02-08-2023
This book prompted more discussion than usual - most of the group were not enthusiastic but 4 or 5 liked it. They loved the restrained writing, the exquisite descriptions of characters using minimal words, the way the reader had to work to engage with the narrative, the many parallels with contemporary management of disasters in the media. It raised questions about blame and scapegoating and mob behaviour.
CLARK 001
02-08-2023
50/50 enjoyed. Vibrant discussion however.
WANG 004
02-08-2023
Quite a hard read, and an eye-opener for those who knew little about the 'Blitz'.
WHAKA 017
02-08-2023
We had a great discussion about 'The Report', and had to remind ourselves that it was mainly fiction based on a report about the tragedy.
DUNED 029
01-12-2022
A highly readable historical novel about a tragic episode in the London Blitz of WWII of which we knew nothing. A successful blend of fact and fiction.
WHITBY 005
19-06-2018
All the members found this an interesting well-written semi-documentary, with the novel aspect bringing to life a shocking war-time catastrophe. A lot of vigorous discussion ensued, on features including the war-time way of life for civilians, volunteer wardens, police, the damaging of mental health which has serious outcomes for those involved personally in tragedies of this kind, and the interesting question of the rights and wrongs of governmental suppression of details in critical times. We all were impressed by the achievement of the American author.
