A Respectable Woman

Escaping one’s past is at the heart of this endearing historical romance from Bavin (The Deserter’s Daughter), set in a small English town after World War II. An unexpected visit from a district nurse inadvertently exposes the ugly secret Nell Hibbert’s husband has been hiding through most of their marriage: a second wife, who’s just had his baby. Angered by her husband’s betrayal, pregnant Nell runs away from Annerby with her beloved young son, Alf, in tow. Two years later, “widowed” Nell and Alf have a new life in Chorlton, Manchester, aided by friends such as window cleaner Jim Franks, but a random act of kindness on Nell’s part subsequently exposes her past and threatens her family’s future. Bavin’s character-driven narrative, peppered with colloquial dialogue, rings with authenticity. Although Jim’s secret profession as a lawyer is somewhat fortuitous and the plotting is predictable, the sweet attraction between him and Nell give the story heart, while Bavin’s finely sculpted cast of secondary characters, most of whom are struggling with postwar poverty, give the story true substance. The focus on historical and emotional authenticity will leave readers heartily satisfied. Agent: Laura Longrigg, MBA Literary. (Aug.)