Monica Dickens

Here is a timeless treasure trove of escapism from the great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens. This quartet of novels forming the ‘World’s End’ series was her first work for children, begun just before the ‘Follyfoot’ books.

Considering herself unsuitable for any other contribution to the war effort, Monica Dickens opts for nursing, imagining herself gliding through the wards, serene in a pure white halo cap. On enrolment, however, she is promptly stripped of all illusions....

Mary hears on the radio that the British warship her husband is on has sunk, leaving few survivors. Waiting for daybreak to bring news, Mary escapes into memories of her past. Sincere and engaging - a ‘hot-water bottle’ novel - Mariana by Monica Dickens is full of sharply remembered detail...