What is the importance of London in the novel, War Brides?

London is the capital of England. It becomes the primary bombing target for Germans during World War II. Children from London are evacuated to the country, to places like Crowmarsh Priors. Much of the city, especially its East End, is reduced to rubble. Hundreds and hundreds of citizens are killed. Nevertheless, in the end, the city survives the bombing raids. London is also where Alice is transferred to work for the WVS and where she meets Joe Lightfoot. It is where Evangeline carries on her affair with Laurent for a limited time, before committing to Richard and visiting him in the hospital there.