Reader Review

“
Barbara Kent Lawrence’s family memoir chronicling the complex and harrowing paths followed by her mother and her uncle during World War II reads like a novel. Lawrence’s gift for describing people and situations makes it easy for readers to empathize with the subjects and to ferociously root for them.When Lawrence presented her book at the Rockport Public Library, attendees went along on a ride, of sorts, as Lawrence detailed some of the most compelling “Ah-ha moments” she encountered in her research. The event attendees’ experience was further enhanced by the ability to browse numerous artifacts related to story that Lawrence brought along for display. I recommend Lawrence’s book (and dynamic presentation) with the greatest sincerity.”

Reader Review

“When I began Barbara Lawrence’s new book Both Sides of the Pond, My Family’s War, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was a fast-paced adventure story I couldn’t put down until I found out what happened… Did Barbara Greene get to acting school? Did she get to America? Did she get her man? Did her brother survive Dunkirk? How does it all end? This book is a creative biography of the English actress Barbara Greene and her brother Kent from 1933 to 1946 based on letters, family recollections and research, and it is a fascinating read.Through her thoughtful recollections and reconstructions, Lawrence has created a portrait of an intriguing woman who led a complex and creative life, both privately and publicly and her brother Kent’s experience during WWII. It is a great story, offered in a well-written book. I cannot recommend it too highly.

Reader Review

“I have just this minute finished reading this book and it is TREMENDOUS!! It is so rich and rock-solid in every way possible. The researching, sleuthing, and especially the assembling of puzzle-pieces — ALL SO VERY IMPRESSIVE!! It is a book of many threads. Each one stands strongly alone while meshing so very smoothly with all others at every turn!!! I truly cared about each and every person — real and created.

Reader Review

“This book is a treasure: a meticulously researched story of close family caught up in the debacle of war. Their experiences are told with excruciating details. The realism of the account, and its emotional depth is stunning. Even the minor characters have real substance. The book is very atmospheric—and a page turner. To a post-war person like myself, and there are still a lot of us around—it is a strong reminder of what our parents went through. Yes, the people who were our mothers and fathers, our educators and role models, for better or worse. Some of them got over the War, some never did. All of them deserved to be remembered.

Reader Review • ★★★★★

“Barbara Kent Lawrence knows her craft.In a well-researched and vivid novel, Lawrence takes the reader through an endangered Britain fighting to preserve democracy during the Second World War. At the book’s center is her mother, a young actress who must make the hard decision to leave everyone behind and start anew in a great unknown. With her ability to intertwine historical facts and biographic prose, Lawrence has produced an excellent work that depicts the toll of a war that tore apart families, friends, and relationships, even decades after its end.

Reader Review • ★★★★★

“In this page-turning story, the author pieces together the lives of her young British mother and uncle as World War II threatens, challenges and terrifies them. Like her, we are drawn in by a 1939 photograph depicting them, ages 20 and 24, bright-eyed and innocent in their new military service uniforms. As she tells of their personal and wartime experiences, she brings an immediacy to their moments of great fear, danger, sadness and love. She depicts the many scenes of action with convincing drama and detail. Throughout the read, you are right there with them – from 1933 to 1946.

Reader Review • ★★★★★

“5 Stars (Highest). Would you recommend it to a friend? Yes.

Reader Review • ★★★★★

“Barbara Lawrence has woven together a very meaningful story of her family and events that shaped our world during the period from 1933–1946. The book is beautifully written and the research is remarkable. It was a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.