A Handful of Stars

Janet Macleod Trotter

It's 1931 and the Depression has brought Tyneside to its knees. Eighteen-year-old Clara Magee is devastated when her father commits suicide, leaving his wife Patience and the family struggling with debts. Facing ruin, the Magees are forced to sell their business to a German couple whom Patience resents, but whose dashing eldest son, Frank, soon becomes the object of Clara's affections. Frank's sudden departure for Germany leaves a disappointed Clara vulnerable to the attentions of old family friend, Vinnie Craven, much to her mother's satisfaction, and Clara eventually agrees to marry him. But she hadn't bargained for Vinnie's violent temper and fascination for Mosley's Fascist party. As darkness gathers in Europe, Clara discovers more evidence of her husband's disturbing political views. But the greatest shock is still to come...