social-class-prejudice

In this chapter set in London during the September 1940 bombings, Eileen struggles to care for Alf and Binnie, two children she is responsible for, as they endure air raids and seek shelter in an Anderson shelter. After a harrowing night, Eileen attempts to find Polly, her cousin, by taking the children to Oxford Street, where she faces class prejudice and the challenges of navigating a large department store while trying to maintain appearances. The chapter highlights the difficulties of wartime London life, especially for those displaced or of lower social standing.