The Life We Make
One evening, in December 1931, nine-year-old Eva waits at the window for her father, Arthur, to return from work. Little does she know that this will be the beginning of a decade-long-vigil – or that her mother and sister hold the secret to his absence.
Twenty years earlier, a younger Arthur is haunted by his family’s emigration to Canada. Seeking a secure future, he marries in haste, only for conscription to tear him away from his new family. Later, after the war, he faces a new battle; against the pressures of work, society and respectability.
Finally, in 1941, on the verge of adulthood, Eva must face up to her family's complex legacy and seek the truth behind her father’s disappearance. Her coming-of-age quest is set against the backdrop of another war, in a blitz-ravaged London, and the chance for a marriage of her own – or to break the cycle and choose a different path.
Based on a true story, The Life We Make is a tale that spans three decades and two generations. Filled with vivid period detail, complex characters and ever-evolving relationships, it is, at heart, a thoughtful examination of the misunderstandings that can drive a family apart – and the love that may, eventually, pull it back together.
One evening, in December 1931, nine-year-old Eva waits at the window for her father, Arthur, to return from work. Little does she know that this will be the beginning of a decade-long-vigil – or that her mother and sister hold the secret to his absence.
Twenty years earlier, a younger Arthur is haunted by his family’s emigration to Canada. Seeking a secure future, he marries in haste, only for conscription to tear him away from his new family. Later, after the war, he faces a new battle; against the pressures of work, society and respectability.
Finally, in 1941, on the verge of adulthood, Eva must face up to her family's complex legacy and seek the truth behind her father’s disappearance. Her coming-of-age quest is set against the backdrop of another war, in a blitz-ravaged London, and the chance for a marriage of her own – or to break the cycle and choose a different path.
Based on a true story, The Life We Make is a tale that spans three decades and two generations. Filled with vivid period detail, complex characters and ever-evolving relationships, it is, at heart, a thoughtful examination of the misunderstandings that can drive a family apart – and the love that may, eventually, pull it back together.
One evening, in December 1931, nine-year-old Eva waits at the window for her father, Arthur, to return from work. Little does she know that this will be the beginning of a decade-long-vigil – or that her mother and sister hold the secret to his absence.
Twenty years earlier, a younger Arthur is haunted by his family’s emigration to Canada. Seeking a secure future, he marries in haste, only for conscription to tear him away from his new family. Later, after the war, he faces a new battle; against the pressures of work, society and respectability.
Finally, in 1941, on the verge of adulthood, Eva must face up to her family's complex legacy and seek the truth behind her father’s disappearance. Her coming-of-age quest is set against the backdrop of another war, in a blitz-ravaged London, and the chance for a marriage of her own – or to break the cycle and choose a different path.
Based on a true story, The Life We Make is a tale that spans three decades and two generations. Filled with vivid period detail, complex characters and ever-evolving relationships, it is, at heart, a thoughtful examination of the misunderstandings that can drive a family apart – and the love that may, eventually, pull it back together.
About the Author
Caroline Bath lives with her partner in West Yorkshire, near her son and grandchildren. She has a teaching and research background in early childhood education, and also writes poetry. The Life We Make is her first novel.
Vital Statistics
Imprint: Valley Press
Edition: First (December 2023)
Paperback ISBN: 9781915606273
Catalogue number: VP0228
Page count: 308
Trim size: 198x129mm
