There's a sudden scatter of birds in the sky. I flinch. Little things seem violent to me. And in that moment my decision is made.

1940, Guernsey...

Vivienne de la Mare waits nervously for the bombs to come. Instead comes occupation. Nothing is safe anymore. But was anything truly safe before?

The facade of the perfect wife, with her husband fighting on the frontline, cracks under the strain of the lie. Her new life is one where the enemy lives next door. Small acts of kindness from one Nazi soldier feels like a betrayal. A forbidden friendship in a frightening world. But how can you hate your enemy when you know his name, when he makes you feel alive, when everything else is dying around you?

Vivienne is fighting her own private war. On one side, the safe, secret, loving world she could build with her captain; on the other, virtuous loneliness and danger. It's time for Vivienne to choose: collaboration or resistance...

About the Author
Margaret worked as a social worker and counsellor, specialising in marital therapy and child protection for fifteen years, before becoming a full-time writer.

Reviews
"Margaret Leroy writes like a dream" (Tony Parsons)"; 'With its stunning and evocative description of the Guernsey landscape, its subtle and astute depiction of a woman's relationship with her children, her lover and her husband, this absorbing novel is utterly beguiling.' - Rosamund Lupton author of bestselling SISTER. "I was riveted by Margaret Leroy's story of a mother on German-occupied Guernsey Island during WW2, trying to raise her daughters while struggling with questions no mother should have to face - including a secret love for a man forbidden to her." Jenna Blum, author of Those Who Save Us and The Stormchasers. "Leroy's beautifully rendered tale demonstrates how longing for normalcy during wartime can vanquish, even briefly, distrust and uncover common ground. Highly recommended." Library Journal starred review. "Leroy has written a tender love story wrapped around a horrifying account of unspeakable cruelty." Booklist. "Vivienne's measured, astringent voice is riveting and her moral ambiguity deliciously disturbing..." Kirkus Reviews. "Leroy lovingly portrays the era and the isolated Guernsey landscape while simultaneously offering an unsparing view of the specific horrors of war. Colourful, rich descriptions..." Publishers Weekly.



Book Information
ISBN 9780778304593
Author Margaret Leroy
Format Paperback
Page Count 480
Imprint Mira Books
Publisher Mira Books
Weight(grams) 330g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 126mm * 29mm