The Dilemma by Sarah Hawthorn

 

A daughter visits the island of Guernsey to unearth horrifying family truths and solve a decades-old mystery surrounding her mother, in this historical page-turner.



1958. Esme, a novelist, finds a potential new literary project. A housemaid named Clara was convicted of murder, perhaps unjustly, amid the ending of World War II and the liberation of Guernsey from Nazi occupation. Esme's trip to Guernsey is an opportunity not only to research the case, but to learn more about her mother's family--as well as to heal from the heartbreak inflicted on her by the man she loved . . .

1915. A teenager marries her childhood sweetheart before he heads off to fight in the Great War. But he doesn't come back, and Jane, presumed a widow, flees Guernsey--devastated by her loss. In London, Jane finds a new life and a new husband--but her past isn't done with her yet.

This absorbing novel follows the parallel paths of two generations of women, and as each is faced with painful decisions and shocking discoveries, a question emerges: Can a lie be forgiven when the truth seems too much to bear? 

What did I think?

A new author to me and quite different from my usual reads. 

I enjoyed this period story set on the island of Guerney. It really sparked my interest and made me want to keep on reading.

Quite difficult to review this book without giving anything away - and I really don't want to spoil it for anyone else.

It transported me back to a different time. And made me think - what would I have done in the same situation.

There is a lot of depth to this story and it feels well researched. Loved the timescale and the interesting characters who certainly took me on a journey.