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As the daughter of the local cinema manager, Sally Brewer has always dreamed of stardom. When she gets offered a theatre job in London, any fancy notions she has are quickly dashed when faced with the reality of long hours with no prospect of a speaking part. But all of this goes out of Sally's mind once the nightly hail of German bombs start to rain down on London. She joins the newly-formed ENSA, the Entertainments National Service Association and is soon raising morale all over the bombed-out city - there is little time for love. One night, Sally discovers a valuable ring sewn into the lining of a cloak. Intrigued, she tracks down the owner - a Naval Officer called Jonathan - but they barely have time to get to know each other before he is recalled to sea. Then Sally gets the terrible news that his ship has been destroyed. With only the ring to remember him by, can Sally face the future without the man she loves?
Amidst the terror of the London Blitz, a young aspiring actress finds her dreams of stardom eclipsed by the urgent necessity of wartime service and the sudden, fragile spark of a new romance. Sally Brewer leaves her quiet life to pursue a career in the theatre, only to find herself performing for ENSA as German bombs devastate the city. Her objective shifts from personal ambition to the survival of her spirit and the morale of others, while the constant threat of death and the unpredictable nature of military duty serve as the primary forces opposing her happiness. The narrative follows her perspective as she navigates the loss of her lover, Jonathan, and attempts to reconcile her personal grief with the broader tragedy of the conflict.
This novel presents a classic wartime romance that emphasizes the emotional toll of separation during the Blitz. The narrative structure relies on the juxtaposition of Sally's professional aspirations against the grim backdrop of a city under siege. Readers likely find the inclusion of the ENSA historical context to be a grounding element that adds authenticity to the protagonist's experiences. The central mystery of the ring serves as a catalyst for the emotional arc, keeping the focus on the personal stakes of the war. The story functions as a character study of endurance, highlighting how individuals maintain hope when faced with the sudden loss of loved ones.
Page Count:
400
Publication Date:
2014-01-01
Publisher:
HarperCollins Publishers Limited
ISBN-10:
0007506333
ISBN-13:
9780007506330
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