Grand Central – by bestselling authors Melanie Benjamin, Jenna Blum, Amanda Hodgkinson, Pam Jenoff, Sarah Jio, Sarah McCoy, Kristina McMorris, Alyson Richman, Erika Robuck and Karen White

A collection of post war stories set on the same day in September 1945 and in the same place Grand Central Terminal, New York. The stories are written in a mixture of styles, some written in first and some in third person. I enjoyed all of them. Each story stands alone, but also picks out a character or two from the previous story, which I thought was cleverly done. I liked the fluid feel to each story, which captured the sense of place with everyone on the move, some coming home from the war, some embarking on a new life and others escaping their past.

The Parisot Literary Festival 2014

The Parisot Literary Festival was such a resounding success last year that it is back this year on 10, 11 and 12 October. Among the authors appearing is Vanessa Couchman who will be presenting her debut novel, The House at Zaronza.  Amanda Hodgkinson, who gave an entertaining and informative talk last year on her first novel, 22 Britannia Road, is returning this year to talk about her second novel, Spilt Milk.    Information on all the authors speaking at the event can be found here.  

Spilt Milk by Amanda Hodgkinson

The story begins in 1913 on the banks of a river in Suffolk with three sisters, Rose, Vivian and Nellie Marsh.  Rose has raised Vivian and Nellie and they live a simple, almost reclusive life in their cottage by the river.  It turns out that Rose had secrets of her own.  The death of Rose and the arrival of a stranger causes conflict between the two remaining sisters forcing them apart.  But Nellie can’t stay away from the river for long and returns in time to save Vivian, but not Vivian’s new born baby.  Nellie buries the baby in the river to avoid any questions and scandal.  This one impulsive act will remain a secret between the sisters, casting a shadow over their future.  Vivian and Nellie had promised Rose that they would never marry and would always stay together in the cottage by the river.    With the arrival of war, things change forever.  The sisters marry and move away, leaving their simple life and home by the river.  It takes Birdie, Nellie’s daughter, to close the circle and to finally bring peace to all their lives. 

Cultural references are used such as films, music, fashion to indicate each new decade with great effect.  The story covers a much longer period than Amanda’s first novel, 22 Britannia Road, and hence there are more characters, all realistically drawn.  Amanda’s prose is beautiful.  I like the way that the story starts and finishes with the river in flood. 

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read.