Thursday, November 5, 2015

"Home Fires"

"Home Fires"
Photo via here

Have you been watching the wonderful television series Home Fires on PBS? If you are getting impatient for the next season of "Downton Abbey" to begin, this one will tide you over. I am crazy about it. The show airs on Sunday nights at 8:00 pm, just before Indian Summers. It begins in 1939, just as Britain is about to enter the war, and is set in a rural English village. It concerns the members of the local Women's Institute, a voluntary organization whose mission is to help with war efforts on the Home Front during World War II. The story centers around several of these women and their personal struggles. Two of the them are strong-willed rivals who want to lead the Institute. They are played by Francesca Annis and Samantha Bond ( she plays Aunt Rosamund in "Downton Abbey"). They butt heads over problems such as what land should be appropriated for farming purposes (the cricket field is one controversial option) and where the official air raid facility should be.

I loved learning about The Women's Institute and the important role it played during the war. It was a community organization that allowed women all over England to connect and support each other as they faced the challenges of World War II. With their sons and husbands gone, women learned new skills through the Institute and became better able to contribute to the war effort in meaningful ways. They helped with food production, education of the public, and social issues during this time of rations and sacrifices. The organization still exists as a social club. The series is based on the book Jambusters by Julie Summers which tells the history of Britain's Women's Institute. It is a fascinating story.

There is enough drama and romance in "Home Fires" to keep any "Downton Abbey" fan happy. The women's personal stories give the series its substance and depth. They concern a young woman who impetuously marries a dashing soldier, a mother devastated when her only child enlists, the local doctor and his family, an abused wife who begins to stand up to her husband, and a conscientious objector who is vilified by the community. If you love period dramas, this one will make you very happy. The cast is predominantly female and you will have fun recognizing many of your favorite actresses from other British television shows. With the days getting shorter and the nights longer, we have another good reason to stay home on Sunday night.

12 comments:

  1. Sunday, I, too, am loving Home Fires. I'm a sucker for British television. I hope all is going well with you. Hugs!

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  2. Oh I hadn't heard of this at all! It sounds brilliant though - just my cup of tea. Will see if I can catch it on a Channel here.

    Miranda xxx http://www.mirandasnotebook.com/

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  3. I love this series! We get a detailed perspective of what women were doing when the men were fighting. Most war stories concentrate on the lives of the men with the women in the background for support. I would love to see something of the American women during the same period.

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  4. I have been riveted by this series, Sunday, loving the characters (well, most of them) and their stories as well as the stories of the time. My garden club is celebrating its 90 anniversary this year and honoring our past by celebrating each decade, starting in Sept. with the '20s. Home Fires is airing as we celebrate the 30's and '40, enhancing the yeasr. It was interesting to learn that Victory Gardens here in the States were inspired by those in Great Britain in WWI. At any rate, thanks for posting this and your previous post on New England. Thank you.

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  5. The Womens' institute is still a force for good here in the rural countryside,offering much the same support as the war years,not just jam making though the local wi did collect all the apples from our orchard to make jam this Summer!!! The stall and banner in the picture is similiar to one they use weekly at our local farmers market.Enjoyed reading your thoughts on the wi.

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  6. I'm also enjoying this wonderful series and can't wait for Downton!

    I enjoy stopping by your lovely blog. Your recent trip to New England looked heavenly!

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  7. No Sunday, I have not heard about this series on PBS but now I will look for it. This sounds like one I would enjoy while we all wait for Downton Abbey. Thanks for posting this, as you said, great for a long Sunday evenings.

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  8. I love it too! I'm riveted every Sunday evening and I don't think an episode has gone by that didn't see me in tears. It's a wonderful series.

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  9. I looks good and I'm in the market for a new British series. Indian Summer is supposed to be very good as well.

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  10. You're into British telly and we're into Scandi-telly! I'm much more excited about the new series of The Bridge. Wonder what the Danes/Swedes watch?

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  11. Replies
    1. Hi, having trouble leaving a comment. I've not seen Home Fires, will check it out. Love land girls!

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