Daughters of Cornwall by Fern Britton #Review

Fern Britton's latest novel, Daughters of Cornwall is published on June 10th by Harper Collins.

 

1918.

The Great War is over, and Clara Carter has boarded a train bound for Cornwall – to meet a family that would once have been hers. But they must never discover her secret…

1939.

Hannah has always been curious about her mother’s mysterious past, but the outbreak of the Second World War casts everything in a new light. As the bombs begin to fall, Hannah and her brothers are determined to do their bit for the war effort – whatever the cost.

2020.

Caroline has long been the keeper of her family’s secrets. But now, with her own daughter needing her more than ever, it’s time to tell the truth – to show Natalie that she comes from a long line of women who have weathered the storms of life, as hardy and proud as the rugged Cornish coastline…

My Thoughts

With three time periods and interlocking stories, you get to follow a family through the generations and see the effect of both World Wars on generations. You are given the perspectives of three women and come to realise that there are secrets at the centre of their lives. Female friendships and support for each other glue the characters together. I am not sure that the men in their lives are particularly likeable, with a few exceptions but you do glimpse the damage of the war on the men as well as the domestic home front.

    Cornwall is the stunning backdrop to the story, although you also get to contrast the city life and Kent. You are given a picture of strength and resilience despite many setbacks and the ultimate tone is one of hope and strength. Lies and hidden identities are spread through the saga but you find the three main women to all be likeable and relatable characters. The historical detail in each time period is skilfully added at some momentous times in the past 100 years. Lovely historical fiction with credible characters and secrets to be found.

In short: A family saga which spans a century.
     

About the Author

 

Fern Britton is the highly acclaimed author of eight Sunday Times bestselling novels.

Born in London, into a theatrical family, Fern started her professional life as a stage manager. Theatre life was great fun but within three years, in 1980, she graduated to television and became a presenter on Westward Television. Here she achieved her ambition of living in Cornwall. Since then television has been her home. She spent 14 years as a journalist before presenting Ready, Steady, Cook for the BBC. This Morning for ITV came next where she won several awards and became a household name. Her interview programme Fern Britton Meets had guests including Tony Blair, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dolly Parton and Cliff Richard. Fern presented The Big Allotment Challenge (BBC2), For What It’s Worth (BBC1), Culinary Genius with Gordon Ramsay (ITV)

Fern’s novels are all set in her beloved Cornwall. Her books are cherished for their warmth, wit and wisdom, and have won her legions of loyal readers. Fern was a judge for the Costa Book of the Year Award and a supporter of the Reading Agency, promoting literacy and reading.

Fern turned her talents to acting last year when she starred as Marie in Gary Barlow and Tim Firth’s award-winning musical Calendar Girls.

Fern has twin sons, two daughters and lives in Cornwall in a house full of good food, wine, family, friends and gardening books. She has a motor cycle licence, an honorary doctorate for services to broadcasting and charity, and is a member of Mensa!

You can follow Fern here:  Twitter  |  Website

 Book link: Amazon UK 

Thanks to Fern Britton, Harper Collins and Anne Cater of Random Things Tours  for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.