Overview

It is 1951 and behind the counter of a modest post office in a leafy Buckinghamshire village Miss Dora Ham and Miss Beatrix Veal maintain their careful facade as respected local spinsters. But their true story is one of passion: suffragist activists who fell in love at a rally in the 1900s, danced in London's secret gay clubs between the wars, and comforted one another during the first night of the Blitz. Together they have built a life of quiet dignity and service in rural England. Now over the course of one pivotal day their carefully constructed world begins to fracture. Through Beatrix’s wry perspective we witness the severe impact of post-war changes on their peaceful existence. Changes that will lead to heart-breaking decisions for Miss Veal and Miss Ham. At the heart of this intimate, moving and witty novel is a story of resilience, the dignity of love that cannot be spoken, and the challenges that come when the future no longer feels safe.

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9781838340100

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Reviews

The moving and surprising story of a discreet love, put to its greatest test - The Reverend Richard Coles. Tender, delightful and heartbreaking, I absolutely couldn't put this book down - Karen McLeod.

The moving and surprising story of a discreet love, put to its greatest test - The Reverend Richard Cole. Tender, delightful and heartbreaking, I absolutely couldn't put this book down - Karen McLeod. A gloriously warm-hearted tribute to the courage of hidden lives - Francis Spufford

Author Information

Vikki Heywood was Executive Director of the RSC from 2003 until 2012 and before that Joint Chief Executive of the Royal Court Theatre. She has been an executive producer of many West End and Broadway productions, including Matilda the Musical. She was Chairman of the RSA 2012-2018 and in 2020 was awarded a Damehood for services to the Arts. This is her first novel.

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