The Weight of Goodbye: Heartbreaking World War Two historical fiction

by Eliza Graham

In this poignant tale of loss and redemption, a young woman's wartime secrets threaten to unravel her carefully rebuilt life.

1937. On the eve of her debutante season in London, Lucia Blake rebels against her domineering father and his fascist politics and runs away to France. Breaking the promise to always look after her, she leaves behind her adored younger sister, Della. Seeking freedom Lucia finds unexpected passion in the arms of a charming French archaeologist. But as war looms over Europe, their idyllic love is shattered by an unspeakable tragedy.

Returning to war-torn London, a heartbroken Lucia buries her past and throws herself into work as an ambulance driver. Every time she heads into the Blitz to rescue people she gambles with death. Yet it’s when she pulls a terrified young girl from the rubble— clutching a toy elephant—that suppressed memories surge to the surface. Bound by grief, Lucia and the child embark on a desperate search for the girl’s missing father, forming an unbreakable bond.

But the ghosts of Lucia’s past won’t stay silent. As the bombs fall and death claims those around her, she longs for Della to forgive her for the pain she caused when she fled those years ago. Will her sister ever be able to reconcile with Lucia? Or will the weight of goodbye prove too much to bear?

This heart-wrenching novel is a testament to the power of love, courage, and the human spirit’s resilience in the darkest of times. Perfect for fans of The Alice Network, Kelly Rimmer’s The Things We Cannot Say and We Were the Lucky Ones.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, World War II

330 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2024

About the author

Eliza Graham is an Oxfordshire-based UK author whose adult novels reflect her fascination with how historical events affect families..

Reviews

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very moving book. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When given the opportunity to read an ARC of Eliza Graham's newest book, I didn't hesitate to download it, having loved her last two books. I didn't even read the synopsis first.

Reading this one was like doing a complicated jigsaw puzzle. You quickly put the edges together and then look carefully for clues in the many pieces to fit together. In the first pages, we meet three older women as they get together on January 1, 2000. There's a box with items from their childhood for them to look through which seem predictably mundane...treasured toys, favorite books but then, carefully preserved is a black uniform jacket belonging to their father in the 1930s. It's the uniform of the British Union of Fascists. Wait, what? That's the first of many puzzle pieces that don't seem to fit together. The story weaves the shocking fascist leanings and antisemitism of the British aristocracy with its lasting effects on their lives. The descriptions of the Blitz in London are some of the most horrific I've ever read. Page by page, the puzzle pieces of these women's lives during World War II came together. But, nearly at the end, I thought a piece had been lost. No worries, Eliza Graham put the final piece in place at the very end. This book is beautifully written and relevant in today's political climate. I highly recommend it but suggest you have a box of tissues handy.

My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.

[Cleopatra Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliza Graham has a knack for pulling readers into the time and place, and the Weight of Silence is no different. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story follows Lucia Blake, a young woman who rebels against her domineering father and his fascist politics by running away to France on the eve of her debutante season in London. A young girl on her own in France is a frightening thought but in too short a time the start of WWII disrupts the life she had built and she returns to London and becomes an ambulance driver.

It's hard not to be captivated by a story so richly woven with historical accuracy and deep emotional threads. Lucia's time as an ambulance driver during the Blitz really brings home the harsh realities of wartime. The constant threat, the physical and emotional exhaustion, the relentless dedication despite it all—it's profound. Stories like hers remind us of the immense courage and resilience displayed by so many during those dark times.

The story is divided into two timelines and eight parts with writing of depth that makes Lucia's journey feel so real and poignant.

Overall, The Weight of Goodbye is a compelling read that explores the depths of human emotion and the strength found in overcoming adversity. It's a story that stays with you long after the final page is turned.

[Abby Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ARC review. Thank you to Storm Publishing for allowing me to read this before it is published. This is by far the best historical fiction book I have read so far. Eliza Graham knows how to write such a beautiful story and paint the picture so that readers can put themselves in the characters shoes and see what they are seeing. This is my first book by her and I will definitely continue to read her books.

Set during World War II a grieving mother and a young girl develop an unbreakable bond as they set out on a desperate hunt for the girl's father. But the FMC’s past haunts her. FMC wants her little sister to forgive her for the suffering she caused when she ran away all those years ago, even as bombs fall and people around her die.

This book is about grief, loss, love, sacrifice, and redemption. This book will definitely pull at your heart strings and may make you cry. I know I did.

[Dawn Lawrence Read_with_Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to netgalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC it was a fantastic read. Eliza Graham has done a beautiful job in writing this historical fiction set during WWII. . It’s about loss, grief, sacrifice and redemption. It sad, tragic, dark but has hope, guaranteed to make you cry. This is a must read for anyone who enjoys this genre. I thoroughly enjoyed it, I got so caught up in the story I read it in one day today! Highly deserving of five stars.

[Lisa Carlile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow..I loved this book.it went from current day to the past but it was easy to follow
The story is mostly based on one particular family and it's a really great read..
Full of emotion and with a few twists towards to end of the book..
This author , Eliza Graham is one to look out for ..
I am off to find some more of her books right now !

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an intriguing read. Clearly there are back stories. Set against the Blackshirts in Britain, prior to WW2, this is the awakening of a privileged girl, who realises not everything is as it seems. I would have liked more of Lucia’s interactions with her father post incarceration. However, I really enjoyed the unraveling of this story and its depths. The development of Lucia to the person she became was an enjoyable read, as was reading about the paths other women took. The portrayal of war time London was well done, especially the complete arbitrariness of who survived and who didn’t. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm publishing for an ARC to read and review.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and especially when they are set during WWII. This book presents a different focus for that period of time. I was not familiar with the English fascism prevalence during WWII. When you open the book, you will be treated to a unique perspective and a rich story of family, bravery, dedication, and heartbreak. Experiencing Lucia’s life as an ambulance driver is interesting and her relationship with a young girl who she rescues following a bombing during the Blitz is heart wrenching. A journey of love, loss, and a myriad of relationships will have you flipping through the pages quickly.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, where do I begin! First, this book was a riveting read. It exceptionally taps into the heart in a big way. I felt like an emotional train wreck by the time I was done reading The Weight of Goodbye. It is painful, poignant and expressive and provoked quite a range of thoughts and emotions in me. I went into Eliza Graham’s novel eager and expectant of another good story (as I enjoyed her previous) but I received even more than I anticipated. The longer I read, the more I fell into its well of trauma and heartache. Time frittered away as I followed these characters through some harrowing circumstances.

This story is about family member ties and hurts, lost loves and children and the closeness and connection between friends. It is set in two time lines and divided into eight parts. It opens with the Prologue in 1940 with our main character Lucia nervous and worrying that a German invasion of London (and the potential capture of the Parliament) could happen any day. All sense of calm is broken once the Germans land in Channel Isles: a place where folks went for ‘seaside holidays, shrimping and bicycle rides.’ The stark contrast hits hard. Lucia is also thinking about the fact she will officially be an adult at twenty-one tomorrow and she will have a new name. Immediately we wonder, why has she changed her name?

Part One and the first chapter thrusts us forward to the year 2000 where we see Lucia in the future, but we also meet Della her younger sister and friend, Effie. It is obvious from the start there is going to be a big story circling these three and yes, there certainly is: one that spans and unfolds across the rest of novel that will pierce and shake your heart.

Throughout the novel we move back and forth in time (comfortably) to understand why Lucia disappeared from her family’s lives. The hurt this caused particularly with her sister is monumental but her parents, too. Her father is a key catalyst in this part of the plot and his character arc goes through some forced dramatic changes. Yet the story is focused more on what becomes of Lucia as a result, the difficult journey she takes and the various decisions she makes, the people she meets and how they affect her life. And her effects on them, too. A lot of growing up happens away from her home and the high society she once knew— a world she never wore well. Her fresh start, takes her down many unusual roads that include a job as an ambulance driver. It is here she makes her contribution when war erupts. She sees and experiences a lot with the bombings of London. Rescuing lives and picking up those who died as a result changes her for sure. The descriptions offered by the author during these events are quite shattering. Her flatmate, workmate and friend, a Jewish girl named Wanda is also quite a moving part of this story, along with the little girl she rescues. I will say no more but be prepared for plenty of tears!

This is without question a deeply moving, insightful story where we see characters go through some very traumatic events. Hearts are transformed and some see the error of their ways and beliefs and require and seek forgiveness. But the solutions and outcomes for some are not pretty. Yet second chances happen and forms of healing do come when stories are shared between those who need to communicate to move forward. I highly recommend The Weight of Goodbye (and yes there are plenty of goodbyes in this novel). But have your box of tissues close as you cannot read this book without shedding some tears and having your heart break or change. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tissue, lots and lot of tissues. The Weight of Goodbye centers around Lucia Blake, a young girl in England. She sees her father, Sir Casssian Blake's true colors when the are caught up in a protest before WW2. Her father is a Blackshirt, and his anger is increasing. Her story is told using a dual timeline. The reader sits alongside Lucia as she recalls her time during WW2 to her sister and Effie.

When he turns violent and strkes Lucia, tensions grow. On a trip to Paris, Lucia flees in fear. She keeps running. The reader follows Lucia on the road to survival. The reader learns about the changes in Europe. Some of her secrets aren't revealed until the end of the story creating suspense and deep sorrow, knowing how she was struggling.

With the Nazi invasion, of Poland, Lucia must return to England. Instead of returning to luxury she joins Wanda, a friend since she rescued Lucia on the fateful day she saw her dad's true colors. Lucia's life is full of danger as she and Wanda work on Ambulance in London.

The reader is taken deep into the horrors of war. The bombings, the losses, the emotional toll fill the pages. Lucia exhibits many emotions. Her determination shines when she finds Effie, a seven year old in the rubble. She refuses to just dump her. My heart broke, the tears flowed as Lucia tried to do what she felt was best for Effie. What an eyeopener for those of us living today.

I never realized how silent my own family has been about living through the war. We need to learn all we can about what our families experienced and survived. We need to remember and do everything possible to make sure future families do not suffer.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this interesting and unique new World War II historical fiction novel, readers follow Lucia Blake at the start of her 1937 debutante season when she discovers her controlling father’s fascist sympathies. Running away while on holiday in France with her family, Lucia leaves her younger sister Della behind to seek freedom away from her father and a romance with a French archaeologist. With the approaching onset of World War II and another, more personal, tragedy, Lucia returns to London at the height of the Blitz and looks to find meaning as an ambulance driver when one particular rescue -- a little girl scared and covered in rubble -- might just help Lucia find the connection and purpose she needs. With a few different perspectives appearing throughout the novel but with Lucia’s point of view dominating, readers get the chance to explore life under the Blitz from different class and occupation lenses in vibrant detail. A flawed and realistic protagonist, Lucia’s narrative is emotional and tragic, dealing with the disillusionment with her father in some abrupt and well-written ways, and readers will appreciate the level of detail and emotion present on every page in this new World War II historical fiction release.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advance copy.

[Claudia Magnus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing as well as the author Eliza Graham for providing me with an ARC of this book.

4,5/5

Novels set in London are something that will always attract me even more so when the prologue is this intriguing: reading about the protagonist’s worries, thoughts and predictions regarding a possibly approaching army. Who is this young woman? Or better who are these young women as the author introduces us to four unique and interesting personalities?

The author managed to write such relatable characters, telling the reader about them while at the same time depicting topics such as different kinds of intelligence. It is nice to see that both Wanda and Lucia are shown as intelligent in their own right just as Effie is shown as adaptable and strong and Della as sensitive but intelligent.

To read about English fascism during World War Two is novelty for me. The focus tends to be on the German side or the French. However, while initially I was expecting a novel focused solely on the war and its consequences, this story gave me so much more. It gave me delicate relationships, deep caring and highlighted what it means to survive even the most tragic situations.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was invited by the publisher to review this book. The book takes place in Europe on the eve of the Second World War. Lucia wants freedom from her controlling father, so she flees to France, leaving behind her younger sister. In France, she meets a man, but their romance is cut short once the war commences. Lucia sadly returns to London, and lives during the war there - she works through the Blitz as ambulance driver. One day she rescues a young girl, and decides to help her find her missing father, all the while trying to recover her relationship with her sister she left behind years ago.

There was a lot of reality in this book, in that the author depicts the hardships people faced during the war. I thought the author did a really good job of catching all of the emotions that one might experience in such an event, so the characters and their relationships felt true. Another element I liked was that the book starts in the future, and works its way backward, connecting pieces - a very clever process.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kerry Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the arc of this amazing yet poignant book.
1937. On the eve of her debutante season in London, Lucia Blake rebels against her domineering father and his fascist politics and runs away to France. Breaking the promise to always look after her, she leaves behind her adored younger sister, Della.
Graham writes a compelling book about the hardships and utter heartbreak of war, the impact on families and one woman's quest to touch back with the sister she left behind and to try to save a young German child in London during the endless WW2.
It's heartbreaking at times and harrowing, the way Graham tells the story transports you into the lives of the characters. Her depth is incredible and you feel every emotion of Lucia, her sister and young Effie.
There's a definite connection with these three women.
Ioved how the story was set in the past and these women's lives at the start of 2000.
I'm so taken with the author's writing, that I'm going to read more of her work.
Kerry Kennedy Author

[Tracy Eyles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for ARC! The Weight of Goodbye by Eliza Graham is novel about family, love and loss. When Lucia attends a rally with her father, her eyes are opened to the horrors of the government in the early 1930s. Living in England, she thought she was safe from the Nazi and fascist rhetoric. However, she quickly learns that that isn’t the case and rebels against it. This, ultimately, leads to her fleeing the only home she’s ever known. Over time, she learns to love again. Although, to really know love, she has to experience great loss which, in the end, allows her to be more empathetic and altruistic in her thoughts and actions. This was a quick read but I found it less emotionally draining than Grahams previous novels. The depth she usually goes into to develop the characters just wasn’t there and the story didn’t wow me. Overall, I would recommend to others interested in the prewar times of turmoil in England but it just wasn’t for me.

[Marie Girulat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Storm Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for this gifted e-book.

I'm a huge fan of historical fiction, and this book absolutely blew me away. It's a compelling story told across multiple timelines, from 1936 to 2000, following Lucia's journey as she escapes her oppressive father and flees to France. There, she teaches English to refugees and later becomes an ambulance driver upon returning to England. As her story unfolds, we discover that Lucia fled France due to heartbreak and tragedy. The way the timelines intersect and reveal the characters' connections is like piecing together an intricate puzzle.

The writing is absolutely stunning and evocative, drawing readers deep into Lucia's world. If you're a fan of historical fiction, mark your calendars for the release of this beautiful book on October 22nd.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very different WWII story, with roots in the Great War, and being swept up in fascism, and the affects it has on a family in Great Britten.
The author gives us a lot in a story, and as we delve deeper into the book, answers do come along with some great surprises.
We are given some sweet romance, along with the horrible bombing in the streets of London, and the compassion of helping those less fortunate. This is also a dual time read, 2020 back to 1938, although most of this takes place in the late 30's.
The author does a wonderful job of bringing a look at life of a family during WWII!
I received this book through Net Galley and Storm Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Alissa Hite · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartbreakingly beautiful look into WWII! This is a very war-focused story and was heavy on the terminology, specific events, and details leading up to and during the Second World War. I very much prefer a character-driven story and for this reason, the first half of this book really dragged on for me. Once I could finally feel some growth and depth to the characters, I enjoyed the rest of the story a lot more.

I appreciated the timeline jumping back and forth and the fresh way it was narrated. The way the story was told felt very cozy and comforting considering how heavy the material was. Overall it was a great historical fiction read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica Wilczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of The Weight Of Goodbye.

Lucia is a young woman in 1940 whose father has put certain beliefs in her head about different groups of people. When she starts to question if those beliefs are true she knows she has to escape her father. She leaves everything she knows to make her own way. Flash forward to 2000 and three women look through a box from the past and finally talk about what occurred in the past that made them who they are today.

This book was so good. It is about independence, grief, loss, and hope. It was so easy to connect with the characters and actually feel the emotions that they were going through. It was beautifully written.

[Melissa Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is based on a young woman who rebels against her parents views of her being a debutante and wanting to find herself.

Lucia or Lucie throughout the book is a strong character who assists with the war by driving ambulances in England after returning from France. She tries to ensure that all that she helps make it safely to hospital, until she finds a young child who needs more help than most can give during this time. Lucie is determined to ensure this young child finds her family. This makes Lucie want to reach out to see her own family, especially after her best friend is killed.

This book contains many emotional situations that makes the reader feel like they are part of the storyline themselves.

[Janice Starr · Rating 4 out of 5]

AudioListened. A 3.5, (rounded up) rating as it was super slow and drawn out in the first 1/2. Notes: 1937 Bombing leaving a girl behind to find her family. The attachments between the characters. Strong women in the story. Lucia strong woman with issues between herself and her father. Leaving the family early in life to get away and seeking freedom from the family drama. Lucia is an ambulance driver and see’s so much of war, death in the destruction. Along with risking her own life all the time. Her strength to reunite her family as well as the little girl, “Hope” that she finds in one of her ambulance rescues . The little girl sticks to her “don’t tell anyone anything about YOU”, is one of the Weight of Goodbyes. There are others. Story is sad and hopeful.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story and yes, for the heart. I found it interesting to read about having a father being a strong follower of Mosley. Indeed, Lucia never questioned her father's way of thinking until she meets Wanda, a Jewish girl... The consequences will change the family relationships... Even though, the topic focusing on the family members interactions with each other, their social status, and real life, I felt the characters missed some depth. This lead to the storyline getting rather predictable. Not the best novel by the author, but still entertaining.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

[annasbook nookk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set on the backdrop of pre-war Europe and Blitz-torn London is Lucia Blake’s journey of love, loss, and redemption.

In 1937, Lucia rebels against her father’s fascist views and flees, where she experiences unexpected passion with a French archaeologist.
But tragedy strikes, forcing her back to London as war breaks out.
Then as an ambulance driver in the Blitz, Lucia risks her life daily, but it’s when she rescues a frightened young girl from the rubble that her past resurfaces.

The author captures the emotional toll of war, and both the devastation and the strength of human connections.

This novel is a heartfelt and gripping story about the power of sisterhood and second chances.

[Emma Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was very good. It had romance, sadness and also the hardship of the War.

Lucia lives with her parents and little sister Della. Her Father supports Mosley but Lucia sees her Father in a different light after some incidents. She ends up running away and lives her life for the next few years before War breaks out. Lucia sees things and has her own heartbreak she rescues a girl who she has a connection to.

This story deals with the War and also the year 2000 where we find out what happens to them over the years of the War.

The story all worked well and came together at the end of all the things that happened.

Well written would recommend it.

[Patricia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent novel by Eliza Graham I thoroughly enjoyed The weight of Goodbye. I loved the clever weaving of the character's lives enabled by setting the chapters in different times. None of the characters were perfect. They were open to acknowledging their faults and trying to change which was a pleasant change. The theme of the Blackshirts in Britain was also interesting and not something one often reads about. A very enjoyable read and one I'm happy to recommend
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right off the bat this is an incredibly moving book about loss, grief, sacrifice, and overall redemption. I throughly enjoyed, even at the moments that made me cry, how well done the book was. From both the past and “present” chapters. It was so well written. It truly made me feel a part of Lucia’s story.

I feel like I go talk over the many heart wrenching parts in this book but I don’t want to give spoilers. If you get the chance give this book a read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an eARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poignant story about one women's strained relationship with her family and wartime relationships with her newfound friends. The London war scenes during the Blitz set in the East End were realistic. The emphasis of the story was on her journey and loss during those years.

I like the writer's style and I will look into her earlier books. I certainly can recommend this one, especially if you are interested in London families affected by WWII!

I obtained an advance copy of this book via NetGalley and Storm publishing.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an emotional rollercoaster that grips you from the first page. The author masterfully weaves Lucia's journey, pulling you in so deeply that it's hard to put down—even if it means losing sleep! Lucia is a beautifully complex character, and I found myself feeling her grief, laughing with her, and cheering her on at every turn. The characters and storyline feel incredibly real and relatable, adding to the immersive experience. My only critique is that the ending felt rushed; a bit more depth would have made it perfect. Overall, a highly recommended read!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much appreciation to NetGalley for this ARC!
This was a beautiful, heartbreaking story of a young woman’s struggles before and during WWII, as told to her sister and friend 60 years later while going through old things before moving. The growth Lucie went through as a human throughout the story is beautiful to see, and the way Eliza teased us with what happened during Lucie’s time in France made me eagerly turn the pages to know just what occurred and was left behind. If you are a fan of historical fiction during WWII, you must read this tale.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tissues, have them handy, as you become enthralled in The Weight of Goodbye. Eliza Graham has written a 5 star novel that takes you on an emotional discovery. An unlikely friendship, secrets, grief, love, and a journey to forgiveness and redemption. A beautifully written story, that moves effortlessly through the dual timelines and a perfect ending.
I would like to thank the author, Strom Publishing and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.

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