MWSA Review

Love and Kisses, Charlie is a classic collection of letters written by Charles L. Fletcher to his parents during World War II while Charlie served as a soldier in the US Army. Joshua Gerstein, Charlie's grandson compiled and arranged the letters for the book and added a little background and clarification as needed. This book is a true historical gem. It is not a fast-paced read with an exciting plot. Charlie did not serve on the front lines, nor did he recount the war, battle by battle. This book is a close look at one soldier's life in the army from September 1943 to February 1946, as told in hundreds of letters home to his mother and father. Charlie wrote almost every day and while many of the letters discussed the weather, his diet, and money issues, one gets a very clear picture of life in the army as Charlie moved from basic training, to more advanced training, and on to Europe. The letters track his unit's move from France, shortly after D-Day, to deep into Germany. He talks about the surrender and the occupation and his dealings with civilians he encounters. I recommend this book.

Review by Bob Doerr (June 2023)
 

Author's Synopsis

What do you write home to your Jewish mother when you’re in the middle of fighting a global war unlike anything before or since?

If you’re Charlie Fletcher, you give near-daily updates covering all kinds of details of life. Fletcher’s letters, which were sent to his mother, father, and sister, reveal a personal side of life during wartime for one soldier training in the U.S. and then marching through Europe. His devotion to Jewish culture, holidays, and community come shining through in this trove of correspondence.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 634

Word Count: 190,000