Histories of war are often told from the viewpoint of grand strategies, major military or political leaders or combat personnel.  Seldom do we get a view of the war from the ground level as experienced by non-combatants; we somehow seem to believe that their lives go on with a feel of normality, even in occupied territories.  In this book we find how a woman, living in an occupied land managed to not only lead a life, but to defy the occupiers and at great risk to herself, feed prisoners of war while at the same time hurting the occupiers war effort.

It is not often that I can write something positive about cigar smoking in California, but I am happy to recommend the cigar smoking section near Henry’s Uncorked, a restaurant at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach. There is no smoking at the restaurant, but just a few steps away is a nice fire pit overlooking Pacific Coast Highway, the broad expanse of the beach and of course, the Pacific. The sunsets are wonderful and you really understand what California is all about. Food and refreshments are available from Henry’s. Sorry, no pipe or cigarette smokers allowed.

Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, 21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach CA. Henry’s Uncorked opens at 5 PM.