Oxford author Julie Summers is appealing to women who were widowed during the Second World War to help her with her new book.

After the war, more than four million servicemen and women were demobbed and came home to live in austere peace-time Britain.

The local historian's new book, Stranger in the House, will tell the story of their readjustment to civilian life and the effect that their return had on their families.

Ms Summers, of Abberbury Road, is also keen to include stories in her book from women who were widowed during the war and children whose fathers were killed.

Stranger in the House will contain stories from mothers, wives, daughters, grand-daughters, sisters, cousins and carers about how they coped.

The book will be published by Simon & Schuster in September and there will be an accompanying exhibition at the Imperial War Museum North, in Manchester, from October until February 2009.

She said: "Over 300,000 women were widowed in the Second World War. Often their men died on battlefields far away.

"These were young, fit men in the prime of life, some of whom had been married for weeks or months, and the impact of their death on their families was enormous.

"Hundreds of thousands of children grew up never knowing their fathers, and this had a big effect on their subsequent lives.

"How did these women cope after the war? Some remarried, many did not.

"For all, there was a struggle to come to terms with life without their partner, and for many, the financial situation was difficult."

She added: "I can reassure anyone who might wish to get in touch that all stories will be treated with respect, and if anonymity is requested, this will be preserved."

Ms Summers can be called on 01865 712039, or emailed at info@juliesummers.co.uk