ISBN: 9781991001238

Voices of World War II-Flexibound

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New Zealanders Share Their Stories


In this collection of memories sent in by families across New Zealand, you will find a rare insight into wartime life across generations and vocations. Fascinating and genuine, it is both a tribute to the resilience and bravery of those who served in WWII, and a historical account which will teach younger generations about the lives of their ancestors.

Descriptions are given by a solider lying in his tent, hearing bombs land close by; young school children explain what it was like to have bomb shelter practices at school; a Land Girl meets the farmer she would work with for the first time.

This book is a visually captivating compendium of photographs and written accounts, it provides a snapshot of what life was like during WWII, from the point of view of those who lived through it.


SPECIFICATIONS 280mm x 210mm | Flexi-Bound| Illustrated | 296 pages

Renée Hollis is an author, photographer and organiser of collaborative projects for creative artists. Prior to her career as an author, Renée was a primary school teacher in New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Botswana.

Renée feels deeply that it’s an honour to record oral history to reflect on the past and to teach the younger generation about our experiences. Her previous work documenting New Zealanders’ history includes Keepers of History: New Zealand centenarians tell their stories (Exisle Publishing).

David Christian, Kete Books
Voices of World War II shows the human side of war through dozens of first-hand memories, stories, and reflections on life during wartime in New Zealand and overseas. A visually captivating compendium of photographs and written accounts, it provides a snapshot of what life was like during WWII   Read More..Voices of World War II: New Zealanders Share Their Stories — Kete Books


Wendy Rhodes, The editor of NZ Memories magazine
“The book is a treasure and I compliment you on the extent of the coverage relating to the WWII years. A remarkable book.”


Hon Meka Whaitiri, Minister for Veterans

“Voices of WWII provides a snapshot of how life was lived during this extraordinary time of real-life people at various stages during the war. Voices of WWII shows the human side of war through dozens of first-hand memories, stories and reflections on wartime in New Zealand and overseas.

Voices of WWII is both a tribute to resilience and bravery of those who served and a historic account that will teach younger generations about the lives of their ancestors. Renee, thank you and congratulations on this wonderful book; Voices of WWII.


New Zealand President of the RSA, BJ Clarke QSM JP

“I congratulate you for producing such a wonderful and thought-provoking record of WWII and I am sure all who read it will hear the voices that you have recorded.”                                                                                     –


NZ Booklovers

“A handsome hardback with photographs, cartoons, posters, press clippings and first-hand accounts, Voices of World War II provides an invaluable and illuminating snapshot of how life was lived during this extraordinary time. The book covers from just before the war until 1946 and after the war.

In the introduction, the publisher says, ‘Much as been written about World War II, but this book has been largely written by New Zealanders at home and overseas who lived through it, and this volume gives them a voice.’ It more than gives them a voice; it allows younger generations to step back in time and experience life as it was then.

Voices of World War II is a compelling account of real-life people at various stages during the conflict.  The book’s design makes it easy to dip in and out of, and the selected images add considerably to the well-written text and selection of quotes. This is well put together volume, and I’m sure it will be of interest to people from many generations, both the young and the old.”  – Karen McMillian,


NZ Herald

New book tells untold stories of New Zealanders’ experiences in World War II

Click here to read in full

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