The Stepney Doorstep Society

The unsung and remarkable stories of the women who held London''s East End together during not one, but two world wars. ''Inspiring tales of courage in the face of hardship'' Mail on Sunday ''Inspiring . . . Takes you back to a time of community and helping one another'' 5 Reader Review ''It made me laugh and gasp in equal measure'' 5 Reader Review Meet Minksy, Gladys, Beatty, Joan and Girl Walker . . . While the men were at war, these women ruled the streets of the East End. Struggling against poverty to survive, and fighting for their community in our country''s darkest hours. But there was also joy to be found. Across the East End the streets were alive - you need only walk a few steps for a smile from a neighbour or a strong cup of tea. From taking over the London Underground, standing up to the Kray twins and crawling out of bombsites, The Stepney Doorstep Society tells the vivid and moving stories of the matriarchs who remain the backbone of the East End to this day. ''Kate Thompson''s study of five working-class women who lived through the blitz shows how informal collectives can provide lasting support and inspiration . . . [a] fascinating account'' Guardian ''An important glimpse into a vanishing world'' Sunday Express ''One of the best books I have read in recent years'' 5 Reader Review ''Crammed full of fascinating stories'' BBC 2 Steve Wright ''Fascinating . . . It was fascinating to hear how these women kept going'' 5 Reader Review ''Astonishing'' Radio 5 Live