Silver Linings

Anderson Family Saga #1

by Millie Gray

Based in the shipyards of Leith, Silver Linings follows the ups and downs of the Anderson family through the darkest days of the Second World War as they struggle to survive. When war breaks out in 1939 the Anderson family ready themselves for the worst, but nothing can prepare them for the death of matriarch Sandra while giving birth to surprise baby Rosebud. Promising her mother that she will take care of her newborn sister, pampered fifteen-year-old Kitty must abandon her dreams of a career to become the family drudge. And Sandra’s heartbroken husband, Johnny, swears never to remarry and instead finds solace in his work, becoming a respected trade union activist in the shipyards. Yet with the help of Johnny’s domineering mother Jenny and spinster sister Kate, the family find the strength to carry on. And when life throws new opportunities at them, Kitty and Johnny are sorely tempted to pursue happiness where they can find it. But can they live with the guilt of breaking the solemn promises they made to Sandra on her deathbed?

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2015

About the author

Millie Gray is a writer and professional storyteller. Her humorous plays attract audiences from all over Scotland and she is much in demand to do workshops and talks about her work. Millie Gray was born and raised in Leith and lives in Edinburgh.

Reviews

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Millie Gray's Silver Linings (Anderson Family Saga #1) is a family saga centred around the shipbuilding workshops in Leith (near Edinburgh) during the second World War.

It follows the fortunes of young Kitty, who gives up a promising job and independence to look after her new-born sister, Rosebud, a promise she makes to her dying mother. Also, Kitty's dad, Johnny, a sheet metal worker and trade unionist grieving the loss of his wife, and Kate, Johnny's spinster sister. I particularly enjoyed the sense of place and a different look at that fertile subject for fiction and non-fiction WW2. I also connected with the characters and their struggle and there is a vague plot, but I found it difficult to be truly immersed in the book, partly due to the omniscient writing style and partly because the story meandered a bit.

[Vivienne Hollis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got into this book straightaway - lovely and immersive, an easy read with a good pace. I really enjoyed it!