Battles Lost and Won

The new novel from a much-loved storyteller - 1919, London’s East End. Robert Hunter is eagerly awaiting the return of his father from the war. Next door, Ruth Cooper’s family are also preparing to welcome her dad, whose ship was lost at Jutland. After five years of separation and anxiety – and, for Bob, the worry of caring for his frail mother – emotions are running high for both young people. But Alf Hunter, who saw action in the trenches, returns a changed man, and when he takes to drink, Bob must put his own happiness on hold to support his family. General Fiction 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 In 1919, Robert Hunter, a young boy growing up in London's East End, is eagerly awaiting the return of his father from the war. Next door, Ruth Cooper's family are also preparing to welcome her dad, whose ship was lost in Jutland. But the youngsters are aware too, of the many physical and mental scars borne by the returning heroes. Alf Hunter, who saw action in the trenches, is a changed man. Over the next few years he suffers many setbacks and losses before ultimately finding the fulfilment and happiness denied him - and so many others - by 'the war to end all wars'.--From back cover.