Second World War novel
Ordinary Heroes
Book details
- Author
- David Lowther
- Type
- Fiction
- Setting
- London during the Blitz, internment in Britain and wartime Sicily
- Imprint
- IM Books
- Copyright
- © 2023 David Lowther
- Published
- November 2023
- Formats
- Paperback, Ebook
- ISBN
- 978-1-915120-20-5
Synopsis
From the bombed-out streets of London to the blood-soaked hills of Sicily, Ordinary Heroes follows George and Esther as they battle to survive — and preserve their love — in the chaos of the Second World War. George, deployed overseas, is torn between duty and morality as he joins the Resistance, while Esther, a German-Jewish refugee, is unjustly interned before finding purpose amid the ruins of London. In a world scarred by war, abuse, prejudice, and fear, George and Esther must each confront their darkest moments — and somehow hold onto hope. As they navigate loss, trauma, and the lasting scars of conflict, they discover what it truly means to be a hero. Ordinary Heroes is a heartfelt continuation of The Summer of ’39, shining a light on the quiet bravery of those who endured not just the war, but the uncertain peace that followed.
About this book
- A Second World War novel of love, trauma, prejudice and resilience, set in Britain and Sicily.
- Esther's story draws on the internment of German-Jewish refugees in Britain in 1940.
- George's moral journey through resistance work shows the psychological toll of combat.
- A story about ordinary people surviving extraordinary times.
- Available in paperback and ebook. Paperbacks can be ordered directly from David through the bookshop page.
Themes
- Love in wartime
- Refugees and internment
- The Blitz
- Resistance
- Trauma and recovery
Listen to an extract
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Chapter 1
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Chapter 3
The history behind the novel
- Two Families at War (January 9, 2026)
The story behind my Blitz crime novel, from German Jewish refugees to a North London crime family, and the research that shaped the book.
- Crime in the London Blitz (July 6, 2025)
A historical overview of criminal activity in wartime London, from looters to traitors.
