Set in the late 1900's, Signs for Lost Children tells the stories of Ally Moberly, a newly qualified doctor, and Tom Cavendish, an architect who builds lighthouses.
Early on in the book Ally and Tom meet and marry. Once married they relocate from London to Cornwall, where Ally starts work in the Truro Women's Asylum, and Tom soon departs for a lengthy spell of work in Japan. Ally is disturbed by the brutal treatment of the asylum's patients and her own fragile mental health is soon compromised. Tom meanwhile, is embracing a different culture and soon finds himself questioning the English lifestyle and aesthetic.
When Tom returns home after their lengthy separation they both find it difficult to relate to each other and their marriage. Will it be possible for the two newly weds to readjust to married life following their time apart and differing experiences?
This book is so different from the type of thing that I normally read but I enjoyed it greatly. I'm generally not a fan of historical fiction but this was well written by an author who excelled in her descriptions. I was soon drawn into the story and found myself wondering and marveling at what life would have been like in Victorian England and at how much enlightenment, freedom and liberties are available today that weren't a little over a hundred years ago. For me the book was very much about Ally and her battles for freedom and equality but I also found Tom's travels and the recounting of Japanese folklore to be fascinating.
This book is the sequel to 'Bodies of Light.' which I didn't realise when I started reading it. Although I now long to read the first book, not having done so, in no way impeded my enjoyment of 'Signs for Lost Children' which stands alone as a book by itself.
Sarah Moss writes eloquently and although this tale is set in the past it felt fresh and modern. All the characters were superb but above all it was Ally Moberly,a splendidly believable character, who I loved spending time with!
Recommended.
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