Battles Lost and Won

September 1, 2011
Sixteen-year-old Robert Hunter has been man of the house since his father went off to WWI. Living in the slums of London, Robert does whatever it takes to help him and his mum survive. But now his dad is on the way home, and Robert can't wait. But when his father arrives, he's a changed man whose time in the trenches has left him with horrifying memories. He turns to drink, and under the strain, Robert's mum's health deteriorates badly. Robert blames his dad, and after his mum dies, he leaves home. On the road, struggling to get by, Robert can't seem to forget his young neighbor back in London, Ruth Cooper. When he learns that Ruth's dad has had a tragic accident, he decides to return home. What happens next is both painful and heartwarming. Nostalgia buffs, fans of historical romances, and those seeking a novel that blends the reality of post-WWI society with a rosy-cosy look at family life in London will find much to enjoy in Matthews' latest.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)