Bessie

<p class=ql-align-justify>Cathi Bond's novel is a sweeping family saga that begins in The Great Depression highlighting the story of a struggling nation and ends with heart-breaking personal sacrifices made during the Second World War. At its centre is Bessie Barnes a mother of two determined to be seen as a woman of good standing within her rural community. </p><p class=ql-align-justify>?</p><p class=ql-align-justify>Bessie's personal world is suddenly upended when Edward a young historian she met at a dance when she was only 19 turns up on the family's doorstep penniless - only to discover that he's her absent brother-in-law. While trying to be a perfect wife perfect mother and a perfect neighbour Bessie pushed to her breaking point comes to realize that ultimately all that is required of her is to be true to her own heart. </p><p><br></p>