Friday, November 26, 2021

Beginning ~ with nothing

Beginning
London, 1940 — "It won't even seem like Christmas this year."  Maggie Harris's voice cracked as she swallowed back the tears.  She had resolved to be strong and brave for Jack's sake, but it was hard.  "No pudding.  No mince pies.  And no tree.  Nothing."  She turned away, staring at the blackout curtains that covered the kitchen window.
What Child Is This (Kindle Single) ~ by Rhys Bowen, 2018, fiction, 42 pages

Christmas during World War II is a time for small miracles in this bittersweet short story by the New York Times bestselling author of The Tuscan Child and In Farleigh Field.  Jack and Maggie Harris are adrift on ravaged streets during the London Blitz.  Their home is gone.  They have nowhere to go and nothing left to lose.  With only the memories of their greatest loss — the death of their child during a Christmas years before — Jack and Maggie settle in a seemingly deserted mansion for the night.  Inside they find shelter, warmth, and a bit of cheer.  They also discover a surprise.  In this darkest of times, the unexpected compassion of strangers will make this Christmas one to remember forever.

3 comments:

Elza Reads said...

I will have to take a look at this little novella. Seems beautiful.

Elza Reads

Cindy said...

Sounds like an interesting short story. I hope you enjoy it! https://cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com/2021/11/first-line-friday-27-memory-quilt.html

Anne@HeadFullofBooks said...

It must have been awful to live in London during the war. Friday quotes