‘An Ordinary Life’ by Amanda Prowse is, as always when a book appears written by Amanda no ordinary book or life! A historical fiction story told straight from the heart, a woman with a secret that has been kept for seventy years.
A touching and emotional tale, told over two timelines, of Molly. We first meet her in 2019 at 94 years of age, on Christmas Eve, after having a stroke and a fall. Lying there with her body broken but her mind bright and alive with memories.
We are taken back to the 1940s and Molly is a young 19 year old who is doing, as a lot did then, her bit for the war that Britain was in the midst of. She meets and falls in love with a man after just one unforgettable dance. It is a meeting that she will never forget, ever. This story follows her work for the French Resistance and the sacrifices one woman made for the war, including keeping her promise to her sister.
Once again Amanda Prowse has written a story that has the power to transport you back in time and feel like you are a part of Molly’s story. Such a heartbreaking time for everyone during the Second World War. There was hardly anyone who could claim to be left untouched by this cruel and horrific war. Amanda has created characters whose emotions are so real and vivid.
A book of love, loss, adversity and most of all hope. I knew I would be at the very least, almost reduced to tears while reading this. Amanda has a poignancy to her writing that is unique to her and this book is no exception.
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, NetGalley and Amanda Prowse for my place on the tour and the copy of the book.
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