A remarkable debut, with explosive moments of real poetry and narrative power ... an excellent novel, dramatic and engaging, with a Buchan thrills quality.' Alan Warner. Scotland, 1942. Seventeen year-old Agnes Thorne discovers that her new husband, Jeff, a campaigner for Home Rule, is determined to challenge Westminster over the issue of conscription. War is tightening its grip on the world as the young couple falls under the spell of the independence movement's charismatic new chairman, Douglas Grant. As the Scottish National Party splits, and a court hearing looms, Jeff abandons his work on a Scottish dictionary to fight to save himself and Douglas from prison. When Agnes is let in on a secret that challenges her own understanding of love, loyalty and national identity, boundaries become blurred. Shortlisted For The Historical Writers' Association Debut Crown 2014. 'a Remarkable Debut ... An Excellent Novel, Dramatic And Engaging, With A Buchan Thrills Quality.' Alan Warner. Scotland, 1942. Seventeen Year-old Agnes Thorne Discovers That Her New Husband, Jeff, A Campaigner For Home Rule, Is Determined To Challenge Westminster Over The Issue Of Conscription. War Is Tightening Its Grip On The World As The Young Couple Falls Under The Spell Of The Independence Movement's Charismatic New Chairman, Douglas Grant. As The Scottish National Party Splits, And A Court Hearing Looms, Jeff Abandons His Work On A Scottish Dictionary To Fight To Save Himself And Douglas From Prison. When Agnes Is Let In On A Secret That Challenges Her Own Understanding Of Love, Loyalty And National Identity, Boundaries Become Blurred. Blackwell's Book Of The Month Edinburgh, World War II. Ayrshire lass Agnes Thorne, just seventeen and newly wed, is gamely trying to be the dutiful wife and fine Edinburgh lady, but aloof city folk are testing her spirit as is her husband, Jeff. Increasingly drawn into the Scottish independence movement and in awe of its charismatic leader, his refusal to sign up for the British Army in such turbulent times threatens both his own liberty and the loyalty of his wife. Agnes thinks Jeff should stop worrying about Westminster and get on with fighting Hitler, and so do their disapproving neighbours. When fate brings the war closer to her home than she could ever have imagined, Agnes realises that she will have to fight for her future... Edinburgh, 1942. Newlywed Agnes Thorne is struggling to deal with married life in the big city and a husband more determined to fight for Scottish independence than against Hitler. His obsession makes Agnes a reluctant participant in the nascent nationalist movement, which at least has the advantage of bringing her into contact with its charismatic leader Douglas Grant. With the turbulent times causing ever greater stresses and strains, Agnes is about to make a discovery that will change the course of her life forever ...?By following the fortunes of the book's vivacious and charming narr HWA Debut Crown shortlist. Edinburgh, 1942. As war tightens its grip, Agnes Thorne finds that her new husband's obsession with Home Rule threatens to land him in jail, and gives her an unwanted role in the nationalist movement. As hidden forces of state break cover, Agnes is caught in a triangle of passion, politics and secrecy.
