Her Forgotten Promise by Corin Burnside

The title of Corin Burnside's debut novel, Her Forgotten Promise, has a nostalgic sound which perfectly suits this tale of a friendship lost during the chaotic events of WW2. In 2014 Claire’s elderly aunt Margaret is approaching the end of her life. She is unwell and sometimes confused, but during her moments of clarity she reveals her sorrow over losing contact with a close friend in 1943. Margaret and Agnes were WAAF radio operators together in London until the French girl’s sudden and unexplained disappearance. Claire’s deep love for the charismatic old woman who brought her up is clear from the early chapters of the novel. It is no surprise when she takes a break from her own problems to carry out research and find out what became of Agnes.
Her Forgotten Promise is beautifully written in dual narration, with Claire in 2014 and Agnes in 1943 expressing their different perspectives. Methodical Claire is motivated by a wish to soothe her beloved aunt’s emotional distress, while passionate Agnes is caught up in the need to defeat the forces of evil at all costs. Both women experience the darker side of life, Claire through personal betrayal and Agnes by her involvement in the cruelty and suffering of war.
Armed with the dry details of Agnes’ war record, Claire travels to France, where she seeks memories of the young woman who was so important to her aunt. Burnside’s descriptions of the food, scenery and farming community of the Pyrenees show a great understanding of the place, while Claire uncovers long hidden secrets and discovers the astonishing truth about Agnes.
It was a joy to read a novel with so many strong female characters. I am not a fan of historical fiction or books in which food plays a significant part, but the combination of romance and adventure in Her Forgotten Promise kept me turning the pages. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an advanced copy.
Her Forgotten Promise: An utterly sweeping and heartbreaking WW2 historical fiction debut for 2023!