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Jemima: Against the World: A Romance in Time of War
This is one of the lost stories of the War.
The experience of an evacuee from London's East End who was sent to Bidworth in Buckinghamshire.
Jemima Shaw was a tough customer who had spent her entire life fighting authority. She carried her battle into the village school and to the family with whom she was billeted.
When the violence became intolerable, she was moved to the home of Mary Woodward, a young mathematics graduate who had just come down from Cambridge. She recorded her experiences of living with Jemima and trying to tame her warlike spirit.
Later, as a grown-up, Jemima read Mary's diaries and provided her own personal commentary on events which, naturally, she saw in a different light.
This book explores the series of shock waves which brought the two women together. As the civilized world crumbled around them, Jemima proved better able to cope, whilst Mary had to be rescued from violence and the threat of sudden death.
Against the World is a parable of war; but it is also a love story set in the English countryside during the early years of the Second World War. All the weaknesses, failings and false hopes of that era come together in a well-crafted tale which provides a fresh and vivid light on those glorious days when it was splendid to be British and great to be alive.
The experience of an evacuee from London's East End who was sent to Bidworth in Buckinghamshire.
Jemima Shaw was a tough customer who had spent her entire life fighting authority. She carried her battle into the village school and to the family with whom she was billeted.
When the violence became intolerable, she was moved to the home of Mary Woodward, a young mathematics graduate who had just come down from Cambridge. She recorded her experiences of living with Jemima and trying to tame her warlike spirit.
Later, as a grown-up, Jemima read Mary's diaries and provided her own personal commentary on events which, naturally, she saw in a different light.
This book explores the series of shock waves which brought the two women together. As the civilized world crumbled around them, Jemima proved better able to cope, whilst Mary had to be rescued from violence and the threat of sudden death.
Against the World is a parable of war; but it is also a love story set in the English countryside during the early years of the Second World War. All the weaknesses, failings and false hopes of that era come together in a well-crafted tale which provides a fresh and vivid light on those glorious days when it was splendid to be British and great to be alive.
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About the author
David Shepherd
125 books4 followersDavid Shepherd was a respected English cricketer and one of the most beloved and recognizable umpires in international cricket. After playing for Gloucestershire from 1965 to 1979 as a dependable middle-order batsman, Shepherd transitioned into umpiring, where he left a much greater legacy. Appointed a first-class umpire in 1981, he went on to stand in 92 Test matches—more than any other English umpire—and 172 One Day Internationals, including three consecutive World Cup finals in 1996, 1999, and 2003.
Famed for his affable personality, fairness, and eccentric superstitions—such as hopping on one leg when the score reached 111 (known as a "Nelson")—Shepherd was adored by fans and respected by players worldwide. His trademark hand-shaking signal for a boundary remains an iconic image in the sport. He was also the first umpire to officiate a Test match in every then-Test-playing nation, and one of the inaugural members of the ICC Elite Panel of umpires.
Shepherd was known for his excellent man-management and his ability to create a calm and respectful environment on the field. His handling of serious moments, like removing Pakistan's Waqar Younis from the attack for dangerous bowling during the 2003 World Cup, demonstrated both courage and authority.
In recognition of his service to cricket, he was appointed MBE in 1997. Following retirement in 2005, he returned to his native Devon, where he remained active in the cricket community until his passing from lung cancer in 2009. David Shepherd is remembered not only for his achievements but as a true embodiment of the spirit of cricket.
Famed for his affable personality, fairness, and eccentric superstitions—such as hopping on one leg when the score reached 111 (known as a "Nelson")—Shepherd was adored by fans and respected by players worldwide. His trademark hand-shaking signal for a boundary remains an iconic image in the sport. He was also the first umpire to officiate a Test match in every then-Test-playing nation, and one of the inaugural members of the ICC Elite Panel of umpires.
Shepherd was known for his excellent man-management and his ability to create a calm and respectful environment on the field. His handling of serious moments, like removing Pakistan's Waqar Younis from the attack for dangerous bowling during the 2003 World Cup, demonstrated both courage and authority.
In recognition of his service to cricket, he was appointed MBE in 1997. Following retirement in 2005, he returned to his native Devon, where he remained active in the cricket community until his passing from lung cancer in 2009. David Shepherd is remembered not only for his achievements but as a true embodiment of the spirit of cricket.
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