Mother Forever

Elaine Everest's moving story of Ruby Caselton's journey through the hardest trials of her life, and how the love of friends and family will pull her through. Set in 1905, the novel follows Ruby as she moves her family into a new home, hoping for a fresh start. However, Eddie's addiction to alcohol and his secret dark past threaten to tear them apart. Through her grit and determination, Ruby finds a community of neighbors on Alexandra Road, including Stella, who becomes a friend and confidante. When war breaks out in 1914, the heartbreaks and losses drive Stella and Ruby to breaking point, testing their friendship and love to the limit.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 04 March 2021
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

From the bestselling author of The Woolworths Girls, Elaine Everest, comes this heartwarming and poignant story of resilience and the power of friendship. Set in 1905, Ruby Caselton, a young woman of twenty-five, faces the most challenging trials of her life. Pregnant with her second child and burdened by poverty and exhaustion, she relocates her family to a new home, hoping for a fresh start. However, her husband, Eddie, struggles with alcoholism, further complicating their situation.

Life at number thirteen Alexandra Road is never dull, with Ruby's five-year-old son, George, at her feet and her mother constantly in a foul mood. Despite Eddie's repeated job losses and his descent into alcoholism, Ruby holds her family together, determined to remember the kind man he once was. What she doesn't know is that Eddie harbors a secret, one so dark that he cannot bring himself to share it with Ruby.

As Ruby navigates the hardships of life, she finds solace in the kindness of her neighbours on Alexandra Road. Stella, the matriarch of the community, becomes a dear friend and confidante, offering support and encouragement. Ruby even dreams of a brighter future, imagining a life with Stella's eldest son, Frank. However, the outbreak of World War I in 1914 shatters their community, testing the strength of their bonds. Heartbreaks and losses mount, leaving both Stella and Ruby on the edge of despair.

In the face of adversity, Ruby's resilience shines through. She continues to provide for her family, relying on the support of her neighbours and her unwavering belief in the power of love. Through her struggles, Ruby learns the true meaning of friendship and the importance of standing by those she cares about.

The Woolworths Girls: A Prequel is a touching and evocative tale that explores the complexities of human relationships and the strength of community. It reminds us of the power of resilience and the importance of cherishing the connections we make with others. Elaine Everest's writing is filled with warmth and tenderness, drawing readers into the lives of Ruby and her neighbours and leaving them with a sense of hope and inspiration.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 197 x 130 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529015966