A fabulously crafted novel from award winning author, Jane Cable, who seamlessly merges the 2nd World War with present day. Not easy, but Cable makes it seem so.
So, let’s meet Rachel Ward, Cable’s main character, who is as flawed as many of us, though perhaps some of us avoid her particular failing which is falling repeatedly for a wrong ‘un. Oh yes she does, and is yet again having to extricate herself from a dead end affair, this time with her married boss.
Unsurprisingly she is forced to leave her long term posting in Southampton, and the love affair, and head for a temporary role as an Archaeology Lecturer at Lincoln University.
But does a change of scene make any difference? Will she still run full pelt towards disaster when a male student makes it clear he is attracted to her, or will she sort herself out, once and for all, and stop all this self induced pain. But in order to find some balance in her life, and in her emotions, does she need to reflect on why she repeats this self-destructive behaviour? If so, how can she brings this journey of self discovery about?
In an effort to prevent herself heading for the immediate danger she distracts herself with extra work – for Jonathan Daubney, a property developer.
It is through Jonathan that she visits a 2nd World War RAF base, a base that gives off a disturbing atmosphere. But why?
Well, she wanted a distraction, and it seems she has that in spades as she delves into the local history of life at the RAF station during that painful period.
As well as meeting new friends, she finds a world that might well lead her towards a greater understanding of herself, and towards a happier future. Echoes … echoes …
With a father who was a Battle of Britain pilot I know something about the world Rachel reveals (or Jane Cable I should say) and let me tell you, it’s pretty damned accurate.
A delicate, thought provoking heartfelt exploration of balance, emotional patterns and love. Bravo Jane Cable, a triumph, but this is nothing less that I would expect from this outstanding author.
Endless Skies by award winning author Jane Cable availabe in pb and eBook
Annie Clarke is the author of the Girls on the Home Front series, and also writes as Margaret Graham and Milly Adams.