Poland in 1939, with the background of anti-semitism and the imminent Nazi invasion, Maria is absorbed in finding the whereabouts of her mother in  ‘Secrets my father kept’ by Rachel Givney.

Against the tide of communism and nuclear devastation that followed World War Two, individuals find a simple, common good that gives them comfort. The Quaker, Wes, finds happiness with the socialist, Beth, and Wes’ sister, Patty, finds purpose in nursing the victims of Hiroshima. ‘The Bride of Almond Tree’ is Robert Hillman’s account of their selflessness.