A Christmas Miracle for the Railway Girls (The Railway Girls Series, 6)
England 1942. This sixth in series offers only slim pickings for railway enthusiasts, and while disciples of the Thomas oeuvre will no doubt be entertained, for those unfamiliar, it might prove problematical. From the outset, every chapter seems to bring yet another cast of characters all vying to re-establish their backstories, not helped by the similarity of some of their names such as Cordelia, Colette and (Mrs) Cooper, or Bette and Bernice. We’re soon confronted with so many people it’s tricky remembering who’s who or did what and when. A ‘Previously in The Railway Girls’ prologue, presenting the story so far, would have been most beneficial because flipping back for clarity hinders concentration; thus I struggled to get into it or, at times, even care. Which is a shame because there’s a rather good running narrative exploring domestic violence in which the domineering husband’s coercion, lies and excuses are realistic enough to be based on in-depth research, if not personal experience. This is by far the most rewarding thread, although that of the older married couple rekindling their love vicariously through their daughter’s infatuation develops well. Interspersed throughout, the usual wartime worries of absent menfolk and coping with shortages are well observed, as are descriptions of the girls’ train-track maintenance. Sadly however, I found the eponymous ‘miracle’ cheesy and underwhelming. Too many girls, not enough railway.
