Forgiven (Between the Mountains and the Sea) by Ruth Sutton

by Ruth Sutton

Forgiven continues the story of Jessie Whelan, an independent Cumbrian woman with a secret past, in the aftermath of World War 2. Before the war, in the first part of the trilogy, Jessie had learned to be a ‘A Good Liar’, struggling to hang on to her job as a teacher during the economic depression of the 1930s, and embarking on a risky affair with a much younger man. Now we find her still struggling, this time against local men returning from active war service who resent both her job and her occupation of the schoolhouse.In the meantime, Jessie and her secret son are still not reconciled. John is older and more confident, creating a successful life for himself in the hazardous coalmines of West Cumberland. He falls in love with a young war widow, but the road to marriage is a bumpy one, complicated by secrets and religious disagreements. Through the fierce winter of 1947 Jessie and her son both have difficult decisions to make about their futures, while the mining community of Whitehaven faces disaster. It is almost the end of an era, as coal gives way to the dawn of nuclear power.Forgiven, like ‘A Good Liar’ (Part 1 of ‘Between the Mountains and the Sea’) offers an authentic and moving account of this unique part of England in the middle of the last century. The characters are strong, complex and engaging, and their stories told with conviction. They may make you smile; they may even make you cry. You will not forget them.

Paperback

First published May 14, 2013

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second of the Between the Mountains and the Sea trilogy continues the story of Jessie Whelan and her now grown up son, John. Ten years have passed since "A Good Liar" and the strained relationship between the two continues, especially when John's girlfriend, Maggie, comes on the scene.

Set once more in west Cumbria [then Cumberland], the location is one of the stars of the book, both in its beauty but also in its harshness.

I enjoyed this even more than the first book as the themes of forgiveness and honesty in relationships make the reader think as well as feel for the characters. I also appreciated the writing skill in controlling the plot and making the characters and their actions believable.

I'm looking forward to reading "Fallout" set another ten years later, in 1957.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s so good to read these books (part of a trilogy) set in West Cumbria. The area has a fascinating history, and this novel tells of a post war society reliant upon the mining industry; at the time with scant safety regulation.

The main character, Jessie, also reflects how small, rural societies were slow to change attitudes towards independent women.

The beautiful Cumbrian coast and its wonderful views towards Scotland, the Isle of Man and the Western Cumbrian fells, is often neglected, compared to the honeypot central Lakes area. Great to read about it here.