Coming Home by Sue Gee

Sue Gee’s latest novel is set in post-war Britain and focuses on a family finding their feet in a changing world. Will has made a life in India as a sugar cane planter until enlisting for active service during the war. Flo has joined the women’s auxiliary forces in India having failed on the marriage market and as a nurse. When she meets Will it’s love at first sight.

Marriage follows just as Will’s life in India comes to a close and they leave for Britain with dreams of farming and children. How they adjust to a draughty farmhouse and the hard physical work of the farm, caring for their two children - outgoing Bea and sensitive Freddie - brings up some new issues. These include Will’s health and Flo’s restlessness as a home-maker and her urge to write. India holds a particular place in their hearts that they can never forget.

In the background Britain is still reeling from the effects of war and rationing, women have had independence during the war but are back to running homes again, or bringing up children alone. There are examples of mental illness and infidelity while the old rules about class and people’s place in society are on the verge of change.

Coming Home is a sensitive look at one family through the fifties and sixties. Each character is finely drawn and their individual struggles really engage the reader’s sympathy. It was interesting to read about Sue Gee’s own family background which prompted to her to write the novel. Perhaps this explains why Coming Home has such a ring of truth about it. Another great read from an accomplished author.

Posted by JAM

Catalogue link: Coming Home

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