WINNER: Wales Book of the Year 2023

A STIRRING HISTORICAL MYSTERY SET IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR, FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE VALLEY OF LOST SECRETS

The First World War has ended, but it hasn’t gone away. When Natty has to move to a new village, she meets two young soldiers who are still battling the effects of war and shellshock.

Her cousin Huw can’t forget the terrible things he’s seen, but another young soldier Johnny doesn’t even remember who he is. Natty wishes she could get through to Huw and is desperate to help Johnny recover his memories but what can she do that the nurses and doctors haven't already tried?

Meanwhile Natty is fighting her own battles - protesting to get the local authority to help the schoolchildren who can't afford a midday meal. As she gets embroiled in the cause, and in trying to help the young soldiers, she starts to unravel a mystery. Natty knows that - just as Jonny and Huw did - she must fight for what she believes in, and she learns that some things should never be forgotten …

This mesmerising historical mystery includes an interactive clue so readers can unravel the mystery alongside the characters. Highly commended for the Young Quills Award 2023.

'A heartfelt, hopeful tale of the human spirit's incredible ability to recover' - Emma Carroll

A heartfelt, hopeful tale of the human spirit's incredible ability to recover * Emma Carroll *
An assured, thoughtful historical novel with a richly evoked post-war Welsh setting * Guardian *
This wonderful second novel firmly establishes Lesley as one of our finest writers of historical fiction. We should talk about her in the same way we talk about Hilary McKay, Emma Carroll & Tom Palmer ... I hope it reaches the wide audience that it truly deserves * Phil Earle *
A gentle story about the effects of war and standing up for what you believe in, When the War Came Home’s hopeful and resilient story is sure to resonate with readers no matter the age... a light-hearted yet deeply emotional read * Bookseller review *
If you're looking for something to look forward to in the first month of 2022, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this novel to children and adults alike. It's another wonderful history lesson in a book with all the power and emotion we need to really unlock the past * Bookseller Review *
This is highly atmospheric historical fiction, combining authentic detail with themes of class and social justice that still resonate today * Bookseller Book of the Month *
With echoes of Carrie's War and Goodnight Mister Tom, Parr brings her own fresh voice to what already feels like a wartime classic. This story is quietly brutal and brilliantly heartfelt. I absolutely ADORED it. - Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse * Praise for THE VALLEY OF LOST SECRETS *
Beautifully told ... This appealing book is about losses healed, lies uncovered, cruelty defeated and goodness rewarded - Children’s Book of the Week, The Sunday Times * Praise for THE VALLEY OF LOST SECRETS *
Atmospheric, direct and gripping, with a superbly assured narrative voice, this book is woven through with powerful themes: grief, belonging and making peace with the past. - Guardian * Praise for THE VALLEY OF LOST SECRETS *

Lesley Parr grew up in a South Wales steel town. Her debut, The Valley of Lost Secrets, published in 2021 and was a Waterstones Book of the Month, longlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal, and shortlisted for both the Branford Boase and UKLA awards. Lesley’s books have won the Tir na n-Og Award (2022,2024) and Wales Children’s Book of the Year (2023), amongst others. All four of her novels so far have received CILIP Carnegie Medal nominations. A former primary school teacher, she holds an MA with distinction in Writing for Young People. Lesley now lives in England with her husband and rescue cat, Ramsay. She shares her time between writing stories, tutoring adults and shouting at rugby on the TV.


@WelshDragonParr
www.lesleyparr.com