Waiting for the All Clear

During World War II, Eleanor Barton flees from the bombs of Birmingham and finds herself on the Isles of Scilly, where she negotiates a teaching contract, experiences her own sexual awakening, and makes a decision about her future. She faces challenges such as infidelity, gas-lighting, and racial apartheid in 1950s America, and struggles with Catholic teaching on contraception and marriage. Despite these obstacles, she persists and is bolstered by her love for her daughter, Sadie. The novel spans the 1940s to 1980s and follows Eleanor's journey as she faces new challenges and struggles to overturn a Decree of Nullity granted to her American husband by the Catholic Church.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 454 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Cinnamon Press

Eleanor Barton's life is forever altered by her escape from the bombs of the Birmingham Blitz during World War II. She finds herself on the picturesque Isles of Scilly, where she embarks on a transformative journey that includes securing a teaching contract, experiencing her own sexual awakening, and making a pivotal decision that will impact her future for decades. As one of thousands of GI brides departing from the UK on the Queen Mary, Eleanor's path is fraught with challenges. She grapples with issues of infidelity, gas-lighting, and the stark reality of racial apartheid in 1950s America, all while navigating the strict confines of Catholic teaching on contraception and marriage. Despite the uncertainty that looms over her, Eleanor remains steadfast, fueled by her deep love for her daughter, Sadie.

Spanning the 1940s to the 1980s, Eleanor faces a relentless stream of new challenges. She embarks on a determined quest to overturn the Decree of Nullity granted to her American husband by the Catholic Church, a battle that tests the limits of her resilience. Moreover, her health begins to deteriorate, adding an additional layer of complexity to her already challenging existence. However, a return visit to Scilly brings her life full circle, offering a poignant reminder of the enduring power of deep love.

In Waiting for the All Clear, L.B. Gray weaves together exquisitely realized characters and a powerful narrative to immerse readers in the timeless questions of what it means to lead a fulfilling life and the boundaries that must be fiercely protected if we are to remain true to our own stories. This debut novel serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 199 x 129 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788649551