The Lie
The story centres on two sisters, Joan and Kathleen. Beginning in the Second World War, the plot takes the reader through their lives up until the 21st century. Joan was a successful singer and entertainer in ENSA, The Entertainments National Service Association, established in 1939 to provide amusement and diversion for British troops during the conflict. Her career flourished until the 1950s, when it went into decline and she drifted to obscurity and poverty. Kathleen, on the other hand, had a successful career in medical research in the US. Their relationship improves as they age, but is threatened when an event from Joan’s past causes unforeseen upheaval. This is the lie of the title, and their good relationship is put in danger.
This is a deftly written and executed novel, interesting and provoking. It demonstrates the challenges facing women who wanted to make their way in a world where the rules and conventions were drawn up by men. It also examines how deception and secrecy can be seen to be necessary while showing clearly the tempestuous effect that exposure of hidden pasts and secrets have on close family relationships. The historical elements are well researched and convincing – there is good historical detail, albeit the milieu and subject should now be vastly familiar to readers of female-oriented historical fiction set during the Second World War.
