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One of the geography questions opens a flood gate of memories for Vera. The family sit round with silent enchantment as she recalls her own experiences and those of her aunt, Fleur.
Fleur is a music lover and an accomplished oboe player. She meets her German husband at one of the musical concerts and moves to live in Germany. The first part of the story tells of how Vera goes to stay with Fleur and the First World War breaks out. They all know that Vera is in severe danger and try to get her out of Germany and to safety. A series of traumatic journeys are explained with vivid attention to detail and suspense mounts. The second part of the story dwells on Fleur’s experiences of war, her music and the birth of her son.
Just prior to the Second World War, she is invited to take up a post in Africa. The boat trip alone is hair raising, a murder on board leads to much suspense
She is invited to play her oboe along with members of the ship’s company and some of the most wonderful strains of music are mentioned.
The research into this work has been painstaking and extensive, but well worth the obvious detailed effort. We learn of the Ashanti and the Twi language and many proverbs, we would do well to practice today.
World War Two sees Fleur on a mission, where she learns of many mysteries surrounding her family.
Her assignment acknowledges her flair for the oboe.
“The whole book is steeped in historical events and I found it difficult to put down. My hope is that Miller Caldwell digs his heels in and treats us to another helping of such splendour.” Wendy Anne Lake – Novelist and Writer