The Separate Principle

by Emily Bullock

Set in the build up to the war, that no one thought would happen, 1938 to 1939 unravels before Lillian and her husband Leonard. Posted to a tuberculosis hospital on the Isle of Wight they bring with them the tragedy of their son's death. The hospital runs on the separate principle, and it turns into an infection that dominates them. Desperate to find the happiness they could never find in each other Lillian turns to an old affair and her lover's young son Freddie, a patient at the hospital. Leonard finds comfort in a new friendship but it can never last. Leading their separate lives Lillian, Leonard, and Freddie are thrown onto a collision course. What begins as the chance for a new start and a fresh snatch at happiness turns into a bitter battle for freedom. Secrets and lies ready to be blown apart by the declaration of war.

308 pages, Paperback

First published December 8, 2008

Reviews

[Hatice Ozdemirciler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I had no idea what was going to happen until the very end, which is a rare treat. The way the far-from-easy subject was handled with amazing sensitivity was impressive and insightful.