I'll Be Seeing You: Picture House Girls 2

During World War II, three women form a close bond while working at their local picture house, using movies as a way to escape the harsh realities of war and dream of romance and peace. However, secrets and jealousies threaten to tear their friendship apart, and Connie must confront the truth about her relationship with Ace.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 11 November 2021
Publisher: Quercus Publishing

A captivating tale of friendship and resilience set against the backdrop of World War II, "The Picture House" takes readers on a heartwarming journey through the lives of three women who find solace and strength in each other amidst the chaos of the war.

In 1943, England's war-weary south coast is a place where the conflict seems to never end. Connie Baxter, who had experienced heartache the previous year, now appears to have everything a girl could want. She is in love with Ace, enjoys an enviable lifestyle despite the deprivations of war, and has friends and a job she adores as an usherette at the Criterion cinema. However, appearances can be deceptive, and Connie is struggling in more ways than one.

To compound Connie's problem, her nemesis, Cousin Marlene, returns home. Secrets come to light, revealing jealousies that could shatter Connie's world once more, and Connie realizes that Ace isn't the man she thought he was.

In the darkest days of war, the glamour of movies and their stars can lift the bleakest of moods, while friends make the good times better and the bad times bearable. "The Picture House" is a testament to the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Through the lives of Connie, Rose, and Lily, the book explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and sacrifice during a time of great uncertainty and hardship. The women's friendship is tested as they face personal challenges and the pressures of war, but their bond remains strong.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of escapism and the power of the movies to provide a temporary respite from the realities of war. The women spend their evenings at the picture house, escaping into the world of romance and adventure on the silver screen. It is a place where they can dream of romance and hope for the good things peace will bring.

However, the war also has a profound impact on the women's lives, and they are forced to confront the harsh realities of their circumstances. Connie is forced to confront her own jealousy and insecurities, while Rose and Lily struggle with the loss of loved ones and the fear of being separated from their families.

Despite the challenges they face, the women remain strong and supportive of each other. They rely on their friendship to get through the tough times, and their shared love of movies provides a source of comfort and camaraderie.

"The Picture House" is a beautifully written and evocative book that will touch the hearts of readers who are looking for a story of friendship, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity. It is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of finding joy and beauty in the darkest of times.

Weight: 260g
Dimension: 198 x 128 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529405385