Long Journey Home

In 1941, Kate is living in Rangoon, Burma, when she meets Edwin, a young teacher from London. As their bond grows, Kate learns of the secrets in Edwin's past and the tragic events that brought them both to Burma. When the Japanese forces invade, Kate and Edwin are forced to flee, along with thousands of others. They begin a perilous journey to India, but soon become separated. As Kate continues on alone, she can't get this troubled young man out of her head. Will Kate and Edwin survive their journey and find the new beginning they both seek?

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2021
Publisher: Bonnier Zaffre

In the heart of a country ravaged by war, a captivating novel unfolds, weaving together the threads of love, secrets, and redemption. For fans of Kate Furnivall and Dinah Jefferies, this tale takes readers on a poignant journey through the tumultuous years of 1941 in Rangoon, Burma.

Meet Kate, a young woman born and raised in the traditional English countryside, but now finding herself in a foreign land far removed from her roots. It is 1941, and Kate finds herself in the bustling city of Rangoon, Burma, a world away from her familiar surroundings. It is here that she crosses paths with Edwin, a young teacher from London, who, like her, is searching for a sense of belonging in a world that seems to be in constant upheaval.

As their friendship deepens, Kate begins to uncover the hidden depths of Edwin's past, peeling back the layers of his troubled history. She discovers the tragic events that have shaped him and brought him to this distant land, and she finds herself drawn to him in a way she never expected.

But as the shadows of war loom ever larger, Kate and Edwin are forced to flee, along with thousands of others, as the Japanese forces invade Burma. They embark on a perilous journey to India, a land of unknown dangers and uncertain futures. Along the way, they face countless challenges, from the harsh terrain to the treacherous conditions, as they struggle to survive and keep their hopes alive.

As Kate continues on her own, she cannot shake the image of this troubled young man from her mind. She longs to be reunited with him, to find a way to overcome the obstacles that have separated them and to begin a new life together. But the war has left its mark on them both, and the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty and danger.

In the aftermath of the war, Kate and Edwin find themselves in a place far from home, in a country that is still rebuilding and healing. They face the challenges of a new society, a new culture, and a new way of life. But they are determined to forge their own path, to find the new beginning they both seek.

Through their journey, Kate and Edwin learn to confront their pasts, to forgive each other, and to find strength in the face of adversity. They discover the power of love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of second chances.

The Long Journey Home is a sweeping historical fiction masterpiece that transports readers to a time of great turmoil and uncertainty. Author Cecily Blench captures the wild and perilous journeys made by so many at the arrival of the war, painting a vivid picture of the chaos and destruction that unfolded.

With her evocative writing and atmospheric storytelling, Blench brings the characters to life, making them relatable and empathetic. Readers are drawn into their struggles, their hopes, and their dreams, feeling the emotions of the characters as if they were living their own lives.

The ending of The Long Journey Home is both delightful and sad, but at the same time, life-affirming. It is a soaring saga that leaves readers feeling uplifted and inspired, as Kate and Edwin find their way forward and begin to build a new life together.

In conclusion, The Long Journey Home is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone who loves a story that explores the human spirit in the face of adversity. Cecily Blench's masterful storytelling and vivid portrayal of a bygone era will leave readers feeling inspired and uplifted, and will leave them eagerly anticipating her next novel.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838773816