Romantic novel set in Liverpool. It uses multiple time frames, almost always two: one in 1939, when World War II begins, and another in 1971, when Amy is released from prison. The novel introduces the characters and portrays families of Irish origin—two Catholic and one Protestant—where one person harbors hatred towards Catholics.
The beautiful and gentle Amy, the protagonist, marries Barney a few months before the outbreak of the war, despite his mother's opposition due to religious differences and social class distinctions. Barney is deployed but is later captured, and in prison, he suffers traumatic experiences that seem to influence his character, making him violent and jealous toward his devoted wife. Amy, still deeply in love, assures him of her faithfulness during his absence. After an argument, their daughter, unknowingly to them, overhears their disputes. Barney is fatally stabbed, and Amy is imprisoned, accused of his murder.
By the 1970s, the novel follows Pearl, Amy and Barney’s daughter, who is reluctant to marry at twenty-five and works in a school. It also explores Amy’s new life after being released from prison. The author constructs a romantic novel with the thread of intrigue linking the two time periods. As in previous books, there are numerous secondary characters and corresponding subplots that are well-developed and convincingly portray emotions.
The novel is an engaging and thought-provoking read, although some events seem somewhat implausible—such as Amy’s trial, her conviction, and her time in prison, which appears to have had little impact on her, as well as the secrecy maintained by so many people. There is a subtle critique of the media and its ability to influence court cases.
The story includes moments that highlight the kindness of characters like Amy’s mother and sisters, as well as Barney’s brother. Barney himself shows compassion in the prisoner-of-war camp, supporting a friend whom no one else cares about. Loyalty is also depicted through characters such as Cathy, Rob, and many others. There is a passage involving homosexuality that, although presented as reprehensible, is rather unsettling. Some characters identify as Catholic but do not always act accordingly.
Maureen Lee (1932–2020) lived through the German bombings of her city during World War II. Before publishing her first full-length novel, Lila (1983), she wrote over 150 short stories. She later published more than twenty novels. Her literary work falls within the romantic genre, often focusing on family sagas. Many of her books are set in her native Liverpool.