Author:Kathryn Haig
At the outbreak of world war II Laura, who was brought up in the manor house of Anstey Parva, where her formidable grandmother, Lady Anstey, rules the roost, decides to join the ATS. She is sent to Egypt where she meets and marries James, a young subaltern who is shortly afterwards killed in the desert.But Laura's heart belongs elsewhere , although she does not yet realise it; and her mind becomes increasingly occupied with the mystery of what happened to her father, who died, she has always been told, during the Great War. Why, then does his name not appear with the others on the village war memorial? Why do no photographs of him exist? Why is his name never mentioned? Laura tries to trace his final resting place through the war graves commission, but they have no record of him. She discovers, in the attics of Anstey House, his dress uniform beautifully preserved in tissue paper, together with some letters which indicate that he was court-martialled and killed by a firing squad. But why? What was his offence? Laura has to find out, and in doing so uncovers an extraordinary story which results in an immensely moving reunion.
A fascinating read.
—— Bournemouth EchoA poignant and mesmerising story of tragedy and triumph from the author of The Stanford Lasses
—— Country Gentleman’s AssociationThis charming tale will be perfect for when you want to escape the festive preparations
—— First magazineOne of the country's most popular storytellers
—— Scottish Daily RecordBeautifully observed . . . [Anshaw] intimately dissects how one event or choice can alter the trajectory of a life, how a fork in the road can lead to wholly unexpected and divergent outcomes
—— Michiko Kakutani , The New York TimesA funny, vivid and pingingly true story about longing and the pain of love. Anshaw conveys beefy emotions and life-changing events with the most gossamer of touches
—— Rachel Johnson , VogueCarol Anshaw is one of those authors who should be a household name . . . [a] fine, eloquent novel
—— USA TodaySuperb . . . [Anshaw] has a knack for capturing a personality in a single phrase
—— Financial TimesMoving and engaging . . . Anshaw has written not only a funny, smart and closely observed story, but also one that explores the way tragedy can follow hard on celebration, binding people together even more lastingly than passion.
—— Sylvia Brownrigg , The New York Times Book ReviewWords used to praise Anshaw's earlier novels - witty, warm, intimate, poignant - apply equally well to her most compelling book yet, a wholly seductive tale of siblings, addiction, conviction, and genius . . . Masterful in her authenticity, quicksilver dialogue, wise humour, and receptivity to mystery, Anshaw has created a deft and transfixing novel of fallibility and quiet glory
—— BooklistA brilliant feat of storytelling . . . one of the most intensely vibrant novels I've ever read
—— Boston GlobeHere's passion and addiction, guilt and damage, all the beautiful mess of family life. Carry the One will lift readers off their feet and bear them along on its eloquent tide
—— Emma DonoghueSplendid . . . sits somewhere between a Jonathan Franzen novel and a collection of haiku
—— Entertainment WeeklyFunny, touching, knowing . . . a quiet, lovely, genuine accomplishment
—— Publishers WeeklyAnshaw is that rare, brilliant, witty writer whose prose is rich and buttery, and whose plotting is as well-conceived and seamlessly executed as that of the most intricate thriller
—— Chicago TribuneIf you love Jonathan Franzen, you'll love this compelling book
—— Entertainment WeeklyGraceful and compassionate . . . Writing with rueful wit and a subtle understanding of the currents and passions that rule us, Anshaw demonstrates that struggling to do one's best, whatever the circumstances, makes for a life of consequence
—— PeopleA fine novel . . . stunning . . . wise
—— TLSAnshaw submerges the reader in gorgeous detail
—— IndependentCarol Anshaw's writing is cool and funny, outraged and sympathetic by turns. The book is full of sharp observations and memorable phrases
—— Literary ReviewBeautiful prose
—— Independent on SundayBeautiful prose
—— Independent on SundayA series of beautifully detailed snapshots . . . an arresting examination of three intersecting lives, forcefully told
—— Telegraph