Living in the Subjunctive

by M.J. Walsh

A captivating story of young people fleeing for their lives from their homeland, Chile, to arrive in a country so different from anything they have ever known. Through the kindness and generosity of local people, most but not all of them, survive the trauma and uncertainties to successfully build new lives in Bristol. As the years pass, they become a part of the local community though some of them never resolve elements of their past.

After seventeen years, the military dictatorship falls and they are presented with the unsettling opportunity of returning to the land of their youth. They make their first return visit with some trepidation and excitement. However, the changes they discover in both the country and in themselves cause revelations to unfold which are intriguing and then disturbing. How they are to reconcile who they were back then with who they are now becomes a challenge for each one of them. The search for a key player in events leading up to the coup in 1973 generates fear and disagreement among them. Will that final pursuit lead to disaster or resolution?

248 pages, Paperback

Published January 28, 2025

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deeply moving story of exiles from Chile trying to come to terms with the horrendous torture and abuse they suffered before finding safety and settling in Britain. The story starts in 1973 and continues through eighteen years to a time when the exiles are able to return to the country of their birth. This was an enlightening read. I learnt so much about this difficult period in Chile's history. The characters showed amazing fortitude which helped to give an uplifting mood to the story.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.

[Terry Dadswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading this novel. The characters are well drawn and interesting. The storyline is set during and after the Pinochet dictatorship in Chile, following the lives of a group of exiles living precariously in Bristol, after terrible suffering at home. The author covers their lives sympathetically, highlighting their hopes and fears, doubts and wishes for their endlessly uncertain futures.
The book highlights what must be the dilemmas of being refugees anywhere. It is also an entertaining read with a twist in its tail.

[Jayne Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story of how peoples lives are affected and some of the trauma that some people have to deal with. It had heartwarming moments, suspense and heartbreaking events. It gave a wonderful insight to people and culture that I had no knowledge of. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.