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Shop now22 Britannia Road
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Learn moreA tour de force that echoes modern classics like Suite Francaise and The Postmistress.
"Housekeeper or housewife?" the soldier asks Silvana as she and eight- year-old Aurek board the ship that will take them from Poland to England at the end of World War II. There her husband, Janusz, is already waiting for them at the little house at 22 Britannia Road. But the war has changed them all so utterly that they'll barely recognize one another when they are reunited. "Survivor," she answers.
Silvana and Aurek spent the war hiding in the forests of Poland. Wild, almost feral Aurek doesn't know how to tie his own shoes or sleep in a bed. Janusz is an Englishman now-determined to forget Poland, forget his own ghosts from the way, and begin a new life as a proper English family. But for Silvana, who cannot escape the painful memory of a shattering wartime act, forgetting is not a possibility.
One of the most searing debuts to come along in years, 22 Britannia Road. is the wrenching chronicle of how these damaged people try to become, once again, a true family. An unforgettable novel that cries out for discussion, it is a powerful story of primal maternal love, overcoming hardship, and, ultimately, acceptance-one that will pierce your heart.
Amanda Hodgkinson was born in Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset, England, and grew up in Essex and Suffolk. She currently lives in southwest France with her husband and two daughters. Her first novel, 22 Britannia Road, is available from Penguin Books.
Robin Sachs's career as an actor in film, television, and stage spanned two continents, having moved to the United States from his native England in 1991. His credits includeĀ Buffy the Vampire Slayer,Ā Alias,Ā Dynasty,Ā Rob Roy,Ā andĀ ChessgameĀ on television andĀ Galaxy Quest,Ā Northfork,Ā The Lost World: Jurassic Park,Ā Megalodon,Ā andĀ Oceanās ElevenĀ in film. He also worked extensively in voice-over, animation, and on the London stage. He passed away in February 2013.
Amanda Hodgkinson was born in Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset, England, and grew up in Essex and Suffolk. She currently lives in southwest France with her husband and two daughters. Her first novel, 22 Britannia Road, is available from Penguin Books.
Robin Sachs's career as an actor in film, television, and stage spanned two continents, having moved to the United States from his native England in 1991. His credits includeĀ Buffy the Vampire Slayer,Ā Alias,Ā Dynasty,Ā Rob Roy,Ā andĀ ChessgameĀ on television andĀ Galaxy Quest,Ā Northfork,Ā The Lost World: Jurassic Park,Ā Megalodon,Ā andĀ Oceanās ElevenĀ in film. He also worked extensively in voice-over, animation, and on the London stage. He passed away in February 2013.
Reviews
The characters are so convincing and the writing's so unshowily accomplished that it soon becomes something gripping. An admirable debut—Daily Mail[A] powerful debut—Sunday Times Culture Magazine
A most accomplished first novel. Powerful story-telling and entirely convincing in its evocation of post-war England. Very good—Penelope Lively
Keep your Kleenex handy reading 22 Britannia Road—Grazia
Convincing and touchingly portrayed—Independent on Sunday
Lose yourself in this beautiful tragic tale—Stylist
A riveting historical novel, set in post-WWII England, about a Polish couple reunited after enduring - and committing - crimes of love and war.—O, the Oprah Magazine
An affecting story, extremely well told—The Times
A stark and beautiful book, alive to the compromises, deceptions and passions that traumatic situations can demand from the most circumspect of people—Marie Claire
A haunting debut that eschews sensationalism and unfurls with quiet delicacy—Easy Living
[An] ambitious debut—Financial Times
Riveting, luminous—The New York Times Book Review Expand reviews