The breathtaking new novel set during the Blitz by the bestselling and critically acclaimed author of the reader and bookseller favourite, Little Bee. As World War Two begins, Mary-a newly qualified teacher in London, left behind to teach the few children not evacuated-meets Tom, a school official. They quickly fall in love, but this is not a simple love story. Moving from Blitz-torn London to the Siege of Malta, this is an epic story of love, loss, prejudice and incredible courage