I'll Take That One: An Evacuee's Childhood

Kitty Baxter was born in 1930, the daughter of a road sweeper and a cleaner, and was one of thousands of children evacuated to the countryside during the Second World War. This would be the first of three times she was rehoused far from home, and she recalls the gruelling years she was cut off from her parents, living with strangers, and navigating joyful moments and times of struggle and loss.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 19 January 2023
Publisher: Allison & Busby

Kitty Baxter, born in London in 1930, hailed from a humble background as the daughter of a road sweeper and a cleaner, among five siblings. As the Second World War approached, her life took an unexpected turn when she became one of thousands of children evacuated to the countryside on her ninth birthday. This marked the beginning of a series of relocations, as Kitty would be rehoused three times during the war, far from the familiar surroundings of working-class London.

The years that Kitty spent separated from her parents were filled with hardship and longing. She recalls the challenges of living with strangers in unfamiliar environments, far removed from the comfort and familiarity of her home. The contrast between her upbringing and the lives of the families she encountered was stark, creating a sense of displacement and uncertainty.

Despite the hardships, Kitty managed to find moments of joy and resilience amidst the turmoil. She cherishes the memories of shared laughter and precious moments spent with newfound friends. However, there were also times of struggle and loss, as she navigated the complexities of a most unusual childhood.

Kitty's story is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. As one of the last generation of women from this era, her voice remains as sharp and witty as her nine-year-old self, who triumphantly overcame the adversities of a most extraordinary childhood. Her memoir offers a glimpse into a bygone era, providing a valuable perspective on a period of history that shaped the world we know today.

Weight: 222g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780749028497