Warmth and Camaraderie

This week, I'm sharing my review of The Factory Girls of Lark Lane, which is the first in a quartet by saga author Pam Howes.

This first book in the Lark Lane series takes place during the Second World War and follows the fortunes of Alice, her family and friends. Alice herself is an appealing character who faces all kinds of responsibilities and problems and who grows in maturity. One aspect of the story which I particularly admired was the sense of loneliness and fortitude felt by Alice as she tackles the long, enforced separation from her soldier husband. This is reinforced as baby Catherine grows into a young child. So many children had to wait until the end of the war to meet their fathers.

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Other characters are also well-rounded. I loved Freddie, the caring factory manager, and I thought Jack was very cleverly drawn. Goody or baddy? A question that will be answered later in the series, I hope.

The story is written with warmth and there is a strong sense of camaraderie and sticking together through thick and thin. There is also a sensitive depiction of dementia.

Although it's clear that various storylines are being set up for the sequel, it's important to say that this is also a complete story in itself. Not that you'll want to stop with just reading this one. The rest of the series beckons!

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Blurb:

1940, Liverpool: Alice Turner and her best friend, Millie Markham, work for the war effort at Rootes munitions factory, making shell caps and Halifax bombers. Alice's sweetheart Terry is home from the front for a brief period of leave. She's been in love with him since school, and the women are excitedly planning a whirlwind wedding.

But the honeymoon is soon over. Terry must go back to the dangers of Nazi-occupied France, and the ever-present air raid sirens quickly bring Alice back down to earth. When a terrible explosion at the factory leads to a tragic death, Millie receives devastating news, and a loved one is announced missing in action, the heartbreak of war is suddenly all too real.

Alice must believe Terry will make it home to keep up her strength. Her mother and Millie need all her support, and morale at the factory is at an all-time low.

Can Alice and Millie help one another make it through these dark times, even as the war stretches on with no sign of an ending?

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The Factory Girls of Lark Lane on Amazon