Author: Elsie Mason

Year of Publication: April 16th 2020

PLOT: 4/5

CHARACTERS: 4/5

WRITING: 5/5

CLIMAX: 5/5

ENTERTAINMENT: 4/5

BUY HERE

Plot:

This is a gripping story about love and family in a war-torn South Shields in 1942. By paying exquisite attention to historical accuracy and language, Mason skillfully tells this epic story without ever losing sight of the people, who are complex, compelling, and wholly engrossing. One of those books where you think about the characters long after you’ve finished reading. Who ought to read this?

Irene Farley, who recently wed handsome RAF officer Tom, relocates to South Shields to live with his family near the docks. She leaves behind her comfortable rural life.

Once they arrive, the bombs also do, and Tom rushes to the neighbourhood where he grew up to see if his house is still standing out of concern for his family. Irene is welcomed into Tom’s family house by all of his relatives, and as they are greeted, Irene notices a small woman seated and recognises her as her mother-in-law Ada Farley. The most of the action in this book takes place in the Farley home, where women clash, but Irene finds it painful to have a sister-in-law who despises her without knowing it. I really enjoyed reading this story about powerful women, and I cried at the conclusion.

She is not adequately prepared for the destruction the Jerry bombers have caused on the Sixteen Streets or the fact that they will be residing there with Tom’s three brothers and two wives. Irene’s sole means of escape is her employment packing up a small taste of home for the courageous troops fighting for King and country across the channel at the nearby Wight’s Biscuit factory. The biscuit factory girls become closer as the threat of war approaches the Sixteen Streets because no one can survive this conflict alone.

What I liked about/didn’t like about the book?

Irene’s decision to marry her boyfriend Tom and move in with his family in South Shields was a very scary one for her, therefore I was happy with the book’s resolution. The members of MaAda’s family are all endearing people.

The narrative moved quickly across the pages, showcasing the variety of South Shields during the War, from the shipyards to the biscuit factory. We could flit between all of their lives, yet the core narrative was never lost. These people are warm characters, therefore there is a lot more to discover about them.

A majestic, timeless tale about the spirit, integrity, and self-realization of one lady. Can’t wait for more from this exciting new series, which I absolutely adored!

Final Verdict

I had a great time reading this book and getting to know the interesting folks from all around the world. They were all connected in a novel that I genuinely enjoyed from the first moment I opened it to read because they all had plausible backstories. I wholeheartedly urge you to read this.