Book Review: Lily the Luddite by Lilian Simmonds

This elegant short story explores the exceptional friendship of a group of ageing women who, having met during the Blitz as girls, vowed to meet on the 8th of May, Victory in Europe Day, for the rest of their lives. Lily despairs as her friends become increasing distracted by the paraphernalia of modern technology, until ultimately embracing it herself and so discovering a new way for them to explore their shared histories.

On the whole, the story looks at important themes - friendship, modernity and the impact of war - with a gentle humour and a balanced hand.  I did however find the description of the waiter and his career progression at odds with the rest of the story and felt it added nothing and was a distraction from a well constructed tale.

Four Stars.

I received a free copy of this short story in return for an honest review.