The Lie by Helen Dunmore

The Lie is set in Cornwall and is told from the point of view of Daniel Branwell, a young man who has just returned from the Great War. Physically Daniel seems fine, but he is emotionally damaged from the horrors of war and, in particular, he feels guilty at not being able to save his childhood friend and comrade, Frederick. Daniel has come back to his hometown as this reminds him of growing up with Frederick and his sister Felicia. However, he is reluctant to meet people from his past. He helps Mary Pascoe, an elderly semi-recluse, on her small holding, in return for food and shelter. When Mary dies, Daniel takes over her cottage. He wants to hide himself away, but it also keen to reconnect with Frederick’s sister, Felicia. Felicia is a war widow and single mother. As their friendship resumes, they talk about their memories of Frederick and, in doing so, Daniel begins to come to terms with the past. I felt I knew Daniel from the opening pages. I liked the way the sentences mimicked his tortured soul and erratic mind as he tries to make sense of everyday life after the horrors of war. The story stayed with me long after I had finished reading it.