First published in 1947, this exquisite novel charts the events of one hot summer’s day as Laura and Stephen attempt to re-navigate their life together after the upheaval of war. Breathtaking writing, subtle and perceptive.
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21 March 1945. 1530 hours. Dozens of Allied fighters and bombers sweep over German-occupied Venice.
Their mission – destroy Germany’s strategic outposts nestled along the port, while leaving the floating city unscathed. As bombs rained down upon Europe, flattening city after city, Venice – La Serenissima; home of Titian and Veronese; immortalised in the serene landscapes of Canaletto – remained sacrosanct. Its artistic and architectural treasure too considerable, too precious to risk destruction.
But, as the push up through Italy reached its final, gruelling months, the Allies were confronted with a terrible dilemma. The ancient city of Venice was now closer and closer to the line of fire. As casualties mounted, the value of art, of history seemed diminished – just a month earlier Allied bombers had reduced the ancient hilltop abbey of Monte Cassino to a stony husk.
In a gripping tale, bestselling author Jonathan Glancey reveals the thrilling history of ‘Operation Bowler’. Joining audacious Wing Commander George Westlake DFC and his elite team, Operation Bowler explores how an unlikely squad of pilots executed one of the most meticulous and complex air raids of the Second World War, sparing not only Venice, but its people.
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Illustrated by Gavin Scot.
Illustrated by Gavin Scot.
Free shipping within the UK.
Published 28th August
Tender and deeply affecting story of a mixed race scholarship boy who yearns to become an actor, and of his mother, a single parent and talented seamstress equally determined to follow her own path.
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Illustrated by R. W. Alley.
Illustrated by Marc Boutavant.