The Photograph by Diane Clarke

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


‘The Photograph’ is a heartwarming novel about a woman’s quest to uncover the truth about her family. Caryl has vague memories of a brother: a boy with no name. Does he exist, or is he a figment of a childhood imagination?

The backstory begins in Britain in 1939 after the onset of WWII and, with it, preparations for an invasion by Nazi Germany. Aged just three, Caryl is one of thousands of youngsters who are evacuated from London and other cities in the interests of safety. With no choice in the matter, the children are placed in the care of complete strangers. Some get loving families. Others are neglected, abused, or forced to work without pay.

Caryl is one of the lucky ones. Or so she thinks until, later in life, she begins to question. Back then, her mother dies unexpectedly and Gwen, the woman who has taken them in, becomes her adoptive mother. No mention is ever made of a sibling. Years pass. Gwen becomes elderly and infirm, and Caryl becomes her carer. One day, while Caryl is rummaging about the house, she unearths a long-lost teddy bear with a vital clue.

Part One, set in 1995, follows Caryl’s extensive efforts to find the answers she craves. Alas, her enquiries come to naught.

Part Two, set in 2020, centres on Caryl’s daughter, Megan, who is intrigued by her mother’s stories. The fallout from Brexit is biting the economy and a pandemic is gripping the world. Megan accepts a position in a charity for former WWII child evacuees. At her fingertips are dozens of archive boxes containing papers from those dreadful years. Can she find what she’s looking for?

This gently-written novel – Diane Clarke’s debut – will whet your appetite for exploring your own family history. All families have skeletons in the closet; there is so much to discover if you take time and have patience.

In addition to the dry gullies and discoveries that make up this story, there are a cast of well-rounded characters, a compelling narrative, webs of secrets and lies, a trail as elusive as a ghost in the mist. Altogether, a satisfying read with a satisfying end. Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.



View all my reviews