Lillian's life spans the 20th century, born in Suffolk in 1900, in service at the age of 12, her life is greatly changed by WW1 and even more by WW2. These experiences colour the rest of her long life. The Great Depression, the post-war austerity years, the assassination of JFK, Neil Armstrong's moon walk, the miners' strike and the death of Princess Diana are amongst the cultural and political events of this turbulent century. These are recorded through their effect on the lives of Lillian and her beloved family.
Sally Patricia Gardner writing with great affection for an endearing character, traces Lillian's Story as national and international events intersect with her own personal milestones. By the end of this compelling tale, Lillian is living a more affluent lifestyle. She has been shaped by the eventful century into which she was born and to which she undeniably belongs.
The novel has received wide-spread acclamation. The actor Tom Baker said: 'Sally really can write...a real, heartbreaking saga but with laughs, too. And the subject! How could one go better, war, women, children, love,death?'
Politician Tony Benn said: 'I really liked this book, which tells the story of the 20th century through the lives of one family, and their hopes and fears, tragedies and achievements.
Iconic actress Dora Bryan, OBE, MA, loved the book so much she volunteered to write the foreword, saying, 'Lillian's Story could only have been written by someone with great experience of life, someone who has survived great sorrow and known great joy. Everything I read, felt like my own life, the sadness, the happiness, the love of animals, the comfort of friendship. This book is so truthful, and I love truth in everything.
