Everyone Brave is Forgiven - Chris Cleave

He read

World War II novel set in Britain during the bombings; it is about two friends, one who becomes a captain in Malta, the other is in charge of the children who remain in the city rather than being sent to the country.  The children left behind primarily were those who no one would adopt - disabled, children of color and others considered "undesirable".  Two women are involved with the two men and everyone does their bit during the war. Romance and tragedy of living throught the war.