EPUB Accessibility Report

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Title: A Place of Dreams

(EPUB 3.0)

Violations

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Summary of violations

Violation count, by ruleset and severity.
Critical Serious Moderate Minor Total
WCAG 2.0 A 00000
WCAG 2.0 AA 00000
WCAG 2.0 AAA 00000
WCAG 2.1 A 00000
WCAG 2.1 AA 00000
WCAG 2.1 AAA 00000
WCAG 2.2 A 00000
WCAG 2.2 AA 00000
WCAG 2.2 AAA 00000
EPUB 00000
Best Practice 00000
Other 00000
Total 00000

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Metadata

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Publication metadata.
Name Value
dc:title A Place of Dreams
dc:creator Alison Twells
dc:subject Women's Wartime Diaries;World War II Romance;Working-Class Women's History;Microhistory and Life-Writing;Feminism and Historical Memory;Family History and Identity
dc:description This book is a compelling blend of mystery, history, and creative non-fiction, that brings to life the wartime story of Norah Hodgkinson (1925-2009), a working-class schoolgirl, later clerical worker, and a prolific diarist. The book opens with a sailor's letter of thanks for a pair of socks that Norah had knitted for the Royal Navy Comforts Fund in 1940―a gift that led to an exciting romance with the sailor's dashing airman brother. But as the author pieces together Norah's diary entries and the sailor's letters, questions emerge about the men's identities and intentions. 'A Place of Dreams' uncovers a dark tale of male rivalry and wartime anonymity, and a young woman's appetite for life and love amidst unexpected dangers.  
Blending microhistory with family history and life-writing, the author navigates the challenges of Norah's tweet-like diary entries. Inviting the reader into Norah's world, she explores ways of uncovering the lives of ordinary women, so often absent from official archives.  
 
A Place of Dreams is a timely story in the era of #MeToo, juxtaposing Norah's wartime experiences with contemporary feminist writing to pose questions―about sex, desire, modesty, and shame-that Norah could not voice in 1940s England. By reflecting on the relevance of history today, the story explores whether narratives like Norah's can spark broader conversations about "intimate justice" and its connection to politics and cultural change. On a personal level, it delves into what Norah's wartime experience means to the author as a historian, feminist, Norah's great-niece, and a mother of girls. 
 
This volume will appeal to readers with an interest in women's lives in the past, and academics and students in the fields of women's and gender history, the history of sexuality, the social and cultural history of war/WW2 studies, diary studies, and the relationships of history, fiction and life-writing.
dc:date 2025-11-04T17:14:37Z
dc:rights ©2025 Alison Twells, CC BY-NC 4.0
dc:language en-GB
dc:identifier urn:uuid:54642469-38be-4028-924d-eba4d307b9d4 | 978-1-80511-569-4
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Outlines

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TOC Outline

  1. Cover
  2. Title page
  3. Copyright
  4. Dedication
  5. Epitaph
  6. Contents
  7. List of Illustrations
  8. Note on Names and Sources
  9. Prologue
  10. I
  11. 1. Norah’s Suitcase
  12. 2. Norah’s Story: Writing History from the Inside
  13. 3. Norah Hodgkinson, Schoolgirl Diarist
  14. II
  15. 4. A Poke in the Eye for Hitler
  16. 5. Jim Gilbert, Royal Navy Stoker
  17. 6. Dearest Dimples
  18. 7. I Believe You and I Have a Few Things in Common
  19. 8. Where Is That Photo? A Summer of Snaps and Studio Portraits
  20. 9. I’m in Love with Him and I Don’t Care a Scrap
  21. 10. The Erotics of War
  22. 11. Poor Jim?
  23. 12. Went over Daleacre: The Likely and the Plausible
  24. 13. If You Love Danny He Is Yours
  25. 14. Glorious Letters from My Sweetheart
  26. 15. Danny Told Me a Thing or Two
  27. 16. Unconditional Surrender?
  28. 17. Please God … Waiting for Danny
  29. 18. Danny
  30. 19. Our Night of Love
  31. 20. A Terrific Surprise
  32. III
  33. 21. Son of Danny
  34. 22. Men’s Regrets
  35. 23. Still Part of Me
  36. IV
  37. 24. A Mum’s Book?
  38. 25. Writing Norah’s Story
  39. 26. A Place of Dreams
  40. Endnotes
  41. Bibliography
  42. Index
  43. Acknowledgements
  44. About the Team
  45. This book need not end here…
  46. You may also be interested in:
  47. Back cover

Headings Outline

  • A PLACE OF DREAMS
  • A Place of Dreams
    • Desire, Deception and a WartimeComing of Age
      • Alison Twells
  • Contents
  • List of Illustrations
  • Note on Names and Sources
  • Prologue
  • I
  • 1. Norah’s Suitcase
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
  • 2. Norah’s Story: Writing History from the Inside
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
  • 3. Norah Hodgkinson, Schoolgirl Diarist
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
  • II
  • 4. A Poke in the Eye for Hitler
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
  • 5. Jim Gilbert, Royal Navy Stoker
    • ***
  • 6. Dearest Dimples
    • ***
  • 7. I Believe You and I Have a Few Things in Common
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
  • 8. Where Is That Photo? A Summer of Snaps and Studio Portraits
    • ***
  • 9. I’m in Love with Him and I Don’t Care a Scrap
    • ***
    • ***
  • 10. The Erotics of War
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
  • 11. Poor Jim?
    • ***
  • 12. Went over Daleacre: The Likely and the Plausible
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
  • 13. If You Love Danny He Is Yours
    • ***
  • 14. Glorious Letters from My Sweetheart
    • ***
    • ***
  • 15. Danny Told Me a Thing or Two
    • ***
  • 16. Unconditional Surrender?
  • 17. Please God … Waiting for Danny
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
  • 18. Danny
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
  • 19. Our Night of Love
    • ***
  • 20. A Terrific Surprise
    • ***
  • III
  • 21. Son of Danny
    • ***
    • ***
  • 22. Men’s Regrets
  • 23. Still Part of Me
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
    • ***
  • IV
  • 24. A Mum’s Book?
    • ***
    • ***
  • 25. Writing Norah’s Story
    • ***
  • 26. A Place of Dreams
    • ***
  • Endnotes
    • 1. Norah’s Suitcase
    • 2. Norah’s Story: Writing History from the Inside
    • 3. Norah Hodgkinson, Schoolgirl Diarist
    • 4. A Poke in the Eye for Hitler
    • 5. Jim Gilbert, Royal Navy Stoker
    • 6. Dearest Dimples
    • 7. I Believe You and I Have a Few Things in Common
    • 8. Where Is That Photo? A Summer of Snaps and Studio Portraits
    • 9. I’m in Love with Him and I Don’t Care a Scrap
    • 10. The Erotics of War
    • 11. Poor Jim?
    • 12. Went over Daleacre: The Likely and the Plausible
    • 13. If You Love Danny He Is Yours
    • 14. Glorious Letters from My Sweetheart
    • 15. Danny Told Me a Thing or Two
    • 16. Unconditional Surrender?
    • 17. Please God … Waiting for Danny
    • 18. Danny
    • 19. Our Night of Love
    • 21. Son of Danny
    • 22. Men’s Regrets
    • 23. Still Part of Me
    • 24. A Mum’s Book?
    • 25. Writing Norah’s Story
    • 26. A Place of Dreams
  • Bibliography
    • Archival Sources
    • Digital and Web-Based Sources
    • Government Records
    • Newspapers and Magazines
    • Local Collections, Oral Histories and Conversations
    • Published Sources
    • Unpublished Sources
  • Index
  • Acknowledgements
  • About the Team
  • This book need not end here…
    • Share
    • Donate
  • You may also be interested in:
  • Contents
    • Landmarks

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Images

Images in the EPUB, with their description
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Cover of 'A Place of Dreams' N/A N/A N/A cover.xhtml#epubcfi(/4/2/2) doc-cover
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Open Access logo N/A N/A N/A copyright.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container006]/6/4/2[CP-logo]/2) N/A
The letter X written in black ink N/A N/A N/A ch01.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/6/8) N/A
A family tree diagram showing the Hodgkinson and Leadbetter families. It begins with James Hodgkinson (1850–1927) and Eliza Taylor (1852–1922) on one side, and Arthur Leadbetter (1858–1912) and Harriet Goodall (1881–1941) on the other. Their descendants include Thomas Hodgkinson (1882–1945), who married Mildred Leadbetter (1887–1964). Below them are their children: Dennis (1912–1992), Helen (1913–1986), Richard “Birdy” (1920–1990), Frank (1922–1985), and Norah (1925–2009), with further generations and spouses listed, including names such as Nollie, Joe Twells, Jean, Roger (1944–2007), Alison (1965–), Pat, and Eddy, along with initials representing grandchildren. N/A N/A N/A ch01.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/50/2[Container016]/2) N/A
Sepia photograph of a formally dressed couple from the early 20th century. The man stands wearing a suit with waistcoat and tie, while the seated woman wears a high-necked blouse with lace detailing and a floral corsage. She holds an envelope in her hands. N/A N/A N/A ch01.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/62/2[Container017]/2) N/A
Vintage suitcase open to reveal neatly stacked diaries in colourful covers, alongside bundles of old letters, photographs, and envelopes, all belonging to Norah Hodgkinson. N/A N/A N/A ch01.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/110/2[Container018]/2) N/A
Collection of school memorabilia including a red and white hand-knitted scarf with the name 'N. L. Hodgkinson', a navy school beret with embroidered crest, and a red and white striped tie with a matching cloth badge. N/A N/A N/A ch02.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/70/2[Container020]/2) N/A
Open page of a personal school diary from 1938 showing a printed timetable, handwritten notes of times, school information for Loughborough Girls High School, and personal details of the owner N. L. Hodgkinson. N/A N/A N/A ch03.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/6/2[Container022]/2) N/A
Open 1938 diary showing handwritten entries including daily notes about the weather and events, such as King Farouk dismissing his cabinet, alongside a list of names and hobbies on the left-hand page. N/A N/A N/A ch03.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/74/2[Container023]/2) N/A
Faded autograph signed 'B. Bira' in ink on a blank page, likely from the famous racing driver Prince Birabongse of Siam, dated 1938. N/A N/A N/A ch03.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/94/2[Container024]/2) N/A
Hand-drawn map sketch of Hill Top and surrounding areas including Webb’s farmyard, orchards, a slaughterhouse, gardens, and local landmarks, with annotations of neighbouring families. N/A N/A N/A ch03.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/108/2[Container025]/2) N/A
A traditional white-painted brick pub called The Nags Head Inn, with a pitched tiled roof and two tall chimneys, situated beside a road. Hanging baskets and flower boxes decorate the exterior, and a white car is parked in front. A large pub sign showing a horse’s head stands by the entrance, with a brick house and trees visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky. N/A N/A N/A ch03.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/114/2[Container026]/2) N/A
Sepia-toned photograph of four children standing beside an early motor car, with a dog in the background and brick houses visible across the road. N/A N/A N/A ch03.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/124/2[Container027]/2) N/A
Black and white family photograph taken outdoors in 1938, showing six people standing together in front of a wooden gate, including men in shirts and braces and women in dresses, all posing for the camera. N/A N/A N/A ch03.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/146/2[Container028]/2) N/A
Black and white photograph of two young girls in patterned dresses, standing outdoors beside a piece of large farm machinery. One girl rests her foot on the machinery while the other stands with her hands behind her back, both smiling. N/A N/A N/A ch03.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/152/2[Container029]/2) N/A
A mounted pair of antlers attached to a wooden plaque fixed on a textured white wall. The antlers are large, brown, and slightly uneven in shape, curving outward from a yellowed skull base. The wall is lit from the side, casting deep shadows that emphasise the contours of both the antlers and the rough plaster surface. N/A N/A N/A ch03.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/194/2[Container030]/2) N/A
Black and white photograph of a middle-aged woman in a patterned dress standing beside an older man wearing braces, a shirt with rolled-up sleeves, and dark trousers, in front of a brick house with windows. N/A N/A N/A ch03.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/212[table002]/4/2/2/2/2[Container031]/2) N/A
Black and white photograph of a young woman in a belted light dress with a dark bow at the collar, standing on a garden path with bushes and a house in the background. N/A N/A N/A ch03.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/212[table002]/4/2/4/2/2[Container032]/2) N/A
Newspaper clipping of a personal advertisement reading: 'Gentleman: Aged 77. Would like to meet lady for friendship/relationship and days out. Reply to: Derby Telegraph Box No 873, Northcliffe House, Meadow Road, Derby, DE1 2DW.' N/A N/A N/A ch03.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/268/2[Container033]/2) N/A
A row of terraced houses with pebble-dashed walls and pitched tiled roofs on a residential street. Each house has a small driveway or paved front garden, some with low fences or gates. A white van is parked on the road in front of the houses, and a blue car is parked in one of the driveways. The sky is overcast, giving the scene a muted, grey tone. N/A N/A N/A ch04.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/40/2[Container035]/2) N/A
Open diary from September 1939 with handwritten entries detailing personal activities and wartime events, including the outbreak of war with Germany, air raid warnings, and everyday family life. N/A N/A N/A ch04.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/106/2[Container036]/2) N/A
Handwritten note or rhyme in ink reading: 'Two in a hammock attempting to kiss when all of a sudden they ended like this SHL.' Signed 'M Freeman 26-6-38'. N/A N/A N/A ch04.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/190/2[Container037]/2) N/A
Handwritten letter on purple paper from February 1941, addressed from H.M.S. Elgin, thanking the recipient for sending hand-knitted socks, noting they were much appreciated for warmth aboard a minesweeper. N/A N/A N/A ch05.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/56/2[Container039]/2) N/A
Black and white photograph of a young woman in a light-coloured bridesmaid’s dress, holding a bouquet of flowers, standing in a garden with trellises and a house in the background. N/A N/A N/A ch06.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/18/2[Container041]/2) N/A
Coloured silk handkerchief with a purple background, lace edging, and an embroidered emblem featuring the Royal Navy insignia, including a crown, flags, and anchor. N/A N/A N/A ch06.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/30/2[Container042]/2) N/A
A handwritten diary from April to May 1941, recording wartime experiences including disappointment at no letters, news of HMS Elgin downing a Heinkel aircraft, and British troops evacuated from Greece. N/A N/A N/A ch06.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/76/2[Container043]/2) N/A
A black and white studio portrait of a young woman in the 1940s, wearing a belted dress with a pleated skirt and white collar, smiling at the camera. N/A N/A N/A ch08.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/34/2[Container046]/2) N/A
A cartoon illustration showing two sailors stranded on a raft surrounded by sharks, with two women watching from a small island. Caption reads 'Between two fires'. N/A N/A N/A ch09.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/18/2[Container048]/2) N/A
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A handwritten wartime letter on lined paper, written in cursive, discussing receiving a letter, regular routines, and urging someone to write soon. N/A N/A N/A ch13.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/60/2[Container054]/2) N/A
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A handwritten diary entry from May 1951 with a pasted newspaper clipping announcing police transfers, including P.C. F. Taylor and P.C. D. Bailey, alongside personal notes about local acquaintances. N/A N/A N/A ch23.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/76/2[Container067]/2) N/A
A black-and-white photograph of three women sitting on a stone wall in front of an old church tower with arched windows and battlements. The women are dressed in patterned dresses, with the older woman in the centre and two younger women beside her. The scene appears to be from the mid-20th century, set outdoors on a sunny day with grass in the foreground. N/A N/A N/A ch23.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/94/2[Container068]/2) N/A
A 1963 newspaper spread reporting on the Caledonian Airways air disaster in Cameroon, headlined 'Horror in the Green Hell,' describing the deaths of 111 people, with photographs of victims and grieving relatives. N/A N/A N/A ch23.xhtml#epubcfi(/4[Twells-0461-1]/2[Container076]/160/2[Container069]/2) N/A
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