Imagine making a decision that not only changes the course of your life, but those of generations to follow. Consequences tells the story of three women, unknown to each other but connected by the choices they make. In 1944, radar operator Margaret, released by the war from the confines of her middle-class upbringing, is contemplating what to do about an unplanned pregnancy. In 1965, lonely Christine walks into the local library and falls head-over-heels for the only man in her Writers’ Circle. And in Canada, in 2004, Erin collects a mysterious package for her grandfather and wonders whether to open it. As their stories unfold across the generations, long-buried secrets are revealed, new relationships uncovered, and the unintended consequences of their decisions reverberate through time.
Consequences tracks the ups and downs of three women. Each makes decisions that impact those around them and the generations to come. The first section of the book conjures up life during WWII with the exceptional freedom and social opportunities that existed for young people at that particular time. Decisions taken then, inform the choices available to the other characters as the social dilemmas build and the plot unfolds. I can recommend Consequences, it is a great read.
This is a really engaging story, which makes you think about what you would do in each situation. I loved the style of writing e.g. to explain how someone missed weekly visits to the very elderly father he has recently lost: "They were woven into his life like coloured threads which, when removed, made the fabric of his everyday life unravel."