Sailors, Slackers, and Blind Pigs: Halifax at War by Stephen Kimber

The untold story of how war transformed the city of Halifax. Stephen Kimber recreates life in Halifax during the Second World War, a city transformed by the influx of military and civilian personnel serving the war effort. Through the eyes and experiences of the people who lived it -- sailors, slackers (civilians), prohibitionists, spies, profiteers, and just plain local folk -- Stephen Kimber brings this extraordinary period of history to life. From an initial outpouring of imperial patriotism and local paternalism to the final Bacchanalian orgy of booze, looting, dancing in the streets, public fornication and general mayhem, this is the true, untold story of how a city changed a war, and a war changed a city. 

I really enjoyed this book. The author did a great job of research to get into the heads of the people involved so the story can be told in a lively fashion from many viewpoints. I love this style of history writing, which puts the reader mentally into the period, by being told through the stories of those who lived it, and not told as an outside observer. Anyone with an interest in Canadian History, World War 2, or maritime history, would love this book. I think this book was well done! Read Teena's review here.