Keep Smiling Through

Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Lake District in 1942, Keep Smiling Through by Daisy Styles delves into the lives of three remarkable women as they navigate the harsh realities of wartime Britain. The narrative centres around the Mary Vale Mother and Baby Home, a refuge where hope and resilience flourish amid turmoil.

The Plot

Sybil, trapped by an unplanned pregnancy, seeks solace in the home, grappling with her uncertain future. Meanwhile, Rosie arrives with her two young children, her previous life shattered by a bombing that demolished their home. Their stories intertwine with that of Edith, a new midwife who brings her own secrets and struggles to the mix. As the threat of requisition by the army looms over the home, these women form an unbreakable bond, united by their shared challenges and the strength they muster from one another.

Themes

The novel explores themes of friendship, motherhood, and the power of community in times of adversity. Styles’ rich and evocative prose captures the emotional landscape of her characters, allowing readers to experience their fears and triumphs intimately.

Similar Reads

• The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan
• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
• Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Daisy Styles’ poignant storytelling and well-drawn characters make Keep Smiling Through a compelling read for those who appreciate narratives of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.