When It's Over: A Novel

(Paperback)

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Description

Fiction set in WWII remains very popular. Historical fiction titles were among Amazons 2016 bestsellers (#49, #55, #75).

Inspired by the authors mothers experience as a refugee during WWII, the book offers unique insights into lesser-known aspects of life on the home front during WWII: the lives of refugees; the political campaign for a land fit for heroes (better living standards for soldiers returning from the war), and the landslide defeat of Churchill in the 1945 election.

Perfect choice for book clubs. According to Reading Group Choices, historical fiction is a top choice for book clubs.

Offers timely reflections on the issues of war refugees and populist political movements; the authors research included her fathers unpublished letters which provided extraordinary details on domestic politics during the last two years of WWII.

Reviews

2018 IBPA Ben Franklin Awards Finalist in Fiction: Historical 2017-2018 Sarton Women's Book Award Finalist in Historical Fiction 2018 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist in First Novel 2018 International Book Awards Finalist in Fiction: Historical 2018 Reader's Favorite Book Awards Finalist in FictionHistorical 2018 American Fiction Awards: Finalist in Historical Fiction In extraordinary times, a single decision can mean the difference between life and deathWhen Its Over brings the forces of history to a very human level. Booklist Lena is drawn as a woman with a mind of her own. Her relationship with Otto is more a story about discovering what love is than one of chasing it.Romantic or otherwise, Lenas relationships lead her toward what she wants in partnership, in politics, and in life.she continually struggles with what it means to keep up with mundane necessities like buying milk and bread while the world is on fire. Her contemplations offer a comforting solidarity for anyone living in challenging times.Romantic without triteness and intelligent without laboriousness, seeing When Its Over appear as a BBC miniseries in the ilk of Call the Midwife wouldnt be a surprise. Its a sweet read, with thoughtful, touching storytelling to provide balm and resonance for our most human selves. Clarion Review "Compelling and complex, with a strong female protagonist, When Its Over adds a much-needed fresh perspective to the canon of World War II literature." Lori Ostlund, author of The Bigness of the World "A vividly realised story of wartime lives. This beautiful novel weaves an enchanting path through bravery, sadness, unexpected love, and sparkling hope. Barbara Ridley's heartfelt wartime novel When It's Over, will remind you of why you love reading. An involving story, utterly convincing in its historical detail." Amanda Hodgkinson, author of 22 Britannia Road Barbara Ridley is a great storyteller with a unique gift for character and setting... The themes of family, war, love, solitude, and hope are beautifully woven into the fabric of this spellbinding story.. [which] will both entertain and inform readers about what it feels like to be a refugee. Readers' Favorite A brilliant novel.. a coming of age story about family, love, politics, grief, and hardship in a war-torn country. OnLine Book Club Review "...a haunting story of love and loss, politics and prejudice." East BayTimes "Lenas beautifully developed character, Ridleys commanding sense of place, and a well-drawn supporting cast bring this intricate historical fiction vividly to life." Barbara Stark-Nemon, author of Even in Darkness it was intriguing, yet heartbreaking, to read about the war from the perspective of those who are safe but whose families are trapped. Historical Novel Society "With rich, sensuous details, Barbara Ridley captures the tumultuous 1940s in England, transporting you with a captivating story about love, loss and war." Nina Schuyler, author of The Translator "This fraught love story brings to life passionate, personal, and political struggles in the face of paranoia and prejudice in wartime England. Its a story that resonates with the tensions and blindness all too apparent in the twenty-first century." Desmond Barry, author of The Chivalry of Crime

Author Bio

Barbara Ridley was raised in England but has lived in California for more than thirty years. After a successful career as a nurse practitioner, which included publication in numerous professional journals, she is now focused on creative writing. Her work has appeared in literary journals, such as The Writers Workshop Review, Still Crazy, Ars Medica, The Copperfield Review, and BLYNKT. This is her first novel. Ridley lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her partner and her dog, and has one adult daughter, of whom she is immensely proud. Find her online at www.barbararidley.com.