Tilbury Poppies: Can the factory girls work together for a better future? A heartwarming WWI family saga

Lily is a housemaid at St Clere's Hall, but is forced to leave when her husband signs up for the trenches and her master becomes lecherous. She works in a factory making explosives, facing terrible working conditions, danger, and a patronizing boss. Lady Charlotte, the pampered daughter of the Hall, joins the factory as a supervisor, and Lily and Charlotte must work together for a better future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2018
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Essex, 1916. Lily, a housemaid at St Clere's Hall, finds herself caught in the midst of a changing world as the outbreak of war looms large. With her husband determined to join the trenches and her master's lecherous tendencies, Lily is compelled to leave her home. Determined to contribute to the war effort and provide for her family, Lily takes on a job in a factory manufacturing explosives. The work is arduous, with the munitionettes facing terrible working conditions, constant danger from accidents and air strikes, and a patronizing and self-serving boss. But then, someone Lily never wanted to see arrives: Lady Charlotte, the pampered daughter of the Hall, joins the factory as a supervisor.

At first, Lily and Charlotte clash due to their contrasting backgrounds and attitudes. Lily, a hard-working and resilient woman from a working-class family, finds herself at odds with Charlotte's privileged upbringing and entitled behavior. However, as they work together in the factory, they begin to see each other in a new light. They realize that they share more in common than they initially thought, including a desire for independence and a sense of duty to their country.

As the war rages on, Lily and Charlotte find themselves facing new challenges and obstacles. The factory becomes a target for air strikes, and the munitionettes are forced to work long hours under dangerous conditions. Lily, who is passionate about her work and dedicated to the cause, becomes increasingly frustrated with the lack of support and recognition she receives from her boss and fellow workers. Charlotte, on the other hand, struggles with the moral implications of her work and the impact it has on innocent lives.

Despite their differences, Lily and Charlotte begin to bond over their shared experiences and struggles. They support each other through the tough times, offering words of encouragement and a shoulder to lean on. They also start to see the potential for change in the world, and they work together to advocate for better working conditions and equal rights for women.

As the war comes to an end, Lily and Charlotte find themselves at a crossroads. Lily is ready to return to her home and family, but she knows that Charlotte's future is uncertain. Charlotte, on the other hand, is determined to make a difference in the world and continue working for women's rights. They part ways with a sense of gratitude and respect for each other, knowing that their shared experiences and struggles have helped to shape them into the strong and independent women they have become.

In conclusion, Lily and Charlotte's story is a testament to the power of women's solidarity and determination in the face of adversity. Despite their differences, they are able to work together for a common goal and make a positive impact on the world. Their story reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future, and that we can achieve great things by working together and standing up for what we believe in.

Weight: 648g
Dimension: 236 x 178 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780751570847