A semi-biographical novel travelling through three countries from 1905-1945.
Four women journey through life between 1905 and 1945, a mentally, physically and financially draining period leaving behind the Crimean and Boer wars of the late 1800s, thrust too soon into WW1, the crash of 1929 and just ten years later, WWII. Women had to be strong, raising their voices to be heard, taking on roles hithertoo only available to men, coping with loss, deprivation and fear.
Follow Colette, railing agains the restrictions of her Edwardian upper class life, Mary facing the future as a single mother, Emily a wheeler-dealer gambler, used to getting her own way, and Joannie, denied her biological family--will she ever know the truth?
Excerpt
Mary had thought she made a good match, but now he was dead, and she didn’t even qualify for a widow’s pension…
No morgue was inviting. This one was no exception, just a bleak little building with barred windows, behind St. Anthony’s hospital. The two women gave Harold’s name to a severe-looking woman behind a glass partition and were told to wait. After what seemed an eternity, a small man in thick spectacles and a white coat came out to speak to them. “I’m sorry I can’t give you the death certificate, it’s already been picked up, and Mr. Porter’s remains have been taken away,” he said pompously.
Maggie was the first to take this in. “What do you mean, we can’t have the death certificate? My daughter’s his wife! And where have you taken him?” she blustered.
The man in the white coat turned red in the face and stuttered “I—I’m sorry, his wife—”
“His wife? I’m his wife,” whispered Mary.
“I’m sorry” he began again. “The woman who came had the marriage certificate, dated 1902.”
Professional Reviews
The Train Now Leaving
Loved this book, the storylines, the characters and especially the fact that it covered generations of the families. It was easy to follow and was a bit unputdownable! Jackie Bright. UK
The Train Now Leaving
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love Vivienne's style of writing, it held my attention and I didn't want to put it down, always wanting to see what happened next. Loved the era in which it was written
I am looking forward to her next book. Jenny Dukeshire. Ontario
The Train Now Leaving
The Train Now Leaving" is a very interesting read.
The time period; the four women; their families and changing circumstances; their physical locations in all levels of social class statuses; gives you the feeling of what it was really like to live vicariously through the lives of these women. Through their sorrows, happiness, hopelessness, courage and fears, these women show the strength and hard work ethics needed to survive, no matter what the circumstances. These were tough times and Vivienne recalls the past in an honest and remarkable way. I highly recommend this book!Sue Lockington. Toronto, Ont.
The excerpt is very short, but it foretells a mystery or secret revealed at a time of grief.
My mother, still alive at 92, lived later, but failed to achieve to her capability by having twins at 17. She devoted her life to us, my father, my four brothers, my sister and me, but had to work part-time and full-time to help the family make ends meet. I was shocked to learn that in the year they retired, 1982, my mother's lifetime earnings matched my father's earnings as a truck driver that single year. That kind of inequality still persists, but not as great. Thank goodness.
Available Now! Rated 5 ***** by readers and listeners.
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