"I think Colourblind is a great book for historical fiction readers, it offers insight into the amazing courage of a small town and the community that was built there during World War II."
In 1943, 600 African American soldiers arrived in the Lancashire village of Bamber Bridge. While the local community welcomes all the soldiers into their lives, the existing segregation tensions between the white Military Police and the black soldiers boil over. The community resists the enforcement of the Jim Crow laws but conflict still arises on the tragic night of June 24th. With Bamber Bridge as the central pillar to Colourblind the story branches off, following individual characters, stepping into their lives and seeing how they are changed by the war, the arrival of the regiment and the fallout. We see relationships blossom, friendships form and a reporter keen to make sure the truth is protected. Colourblind is an engaging and compelling read that delivers on all fronts. It highlights a historical event that may not be familiar to everyone which would appeal to readers interested in wartime fiction and English history. At the same time the story delivers emotional and heart–rending narratives as we get to know the characters within the Bamber Bridge community. As I read I felt like I was connecting with each of the characters, the writing bringing them to life. I hoped as I read for the best outcome for all of the characters, with some heart-breaking consequences. My heart went out to Eleanor, having found and lost love so young, when she discovered it once more I hoped for a good end to her story. I think Colourblind is a great book for historical fiction readers, it offers insight into the amazing courage of a small town and the community that was built there during World War II.
Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading Ambassador
| Primary Genre | Indie Author Books |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
Well written, focusing on the historical whilst fleshing out the people. Good to see light brought to this incident at last.
It brings to life the people of the village, their lives and relationships as well as their welcome to the black soldiers stationed at the local base. The segregation in the USA that came with the troops is clearly drawn. These men weren't just soldiers to the British wherever they were stationed, they became family and homes were opened to them. The privation of the villagers is clearly recorded but they meant little when someone needed help. The music was quite a shock but the dances held at the base were a chance to enjoy life for everyone. A British pilot in the story, received catastrophic injuries, treated at East Grinstead, then sent home, found life totally changed. It is a story many would have been familiar with as acceptance back into the family was lacking as 'their boy' didn't come home.... Read Full Review
In January 1943, the villagers of Bamber Bridge, England, welcomed 600 US Black troops with warmth, friendship, and acceptance. Racist minded, white US Military Police are enraged when local pubs post signs, “We serve Black soldiers only.” Lady Eleanor, falls tragically in love with a much younger GI. A Black officer’s romance leads to a new life in France. A severely burned RAF pilot and a Black soldier haunted by memories of Ku Klux Klan violence, become best friends. But he is killed in a police shootout as racial tensions escalate. His pilot friend cannot cope. Three Black GIs are shot in the back. The Army suppresses the incident and court-martials thirty-five coloured soldiers—no whites. A lone reporter strives to uncover the truth and show the amazing courage of a village that resisted racism.
Colourblind features in the following genres: Indie Author Books, Indie Books We Love, Historical Fiction
Colourblind is available in Paperback
Colourblind was written by Michael Barrington and published by Independently published
