The year is 1941 and World War 2 is in its second year. Most of the air raids have ceased and life has become grey and mundane. Food is rationed, the Blackout is in operation and life in general is pretty grim.Seven-year-old Maureen doesn't think life is grim at all. With a vivid imagination, there is something of interest around every corner.My Friend Elsie is a true story told to David Livesey by his wife, Maureen. Set in Bolton, Lancashire, it is a reflection on life during that period: not only of war but of friendship too.