The Last Telegram
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4.0 • 154 Ratings
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- £1.99
Publisher Description
Can their love survive the hardships of war?
As the Nazis storm Europe, Lily becomes an apprentice at her family’s silk weaving factory. When they start to weave parachute silk there is no margin for error: one tiny fault could result in certain death for Allied soldiers.
The war also brings Stefan to Lily: a German Jewish refugee who works on the looms. As their love grows, there are suspicions someone is tampering with the silk.
Can their love survive the hardships of war? And will the Verner’s silk stand the ultimate test?
The Last Telegram is an evocative and engaging novel for fans of The Postmistress and Pam Jenoff.
Reviews
‘A novel about the human spirit – Liz Trenow paints with able prose a picture of the prejudices that bind us and the love that sets us free … Splendid.’ Pam Jenoff, author of The Kommandant’s Girl
‘This absorbing novel delves into the secrets of wartime silk production and makes them totally fascinating … Tremendously atmospheric and convincing in its details, with characters that touch the heart. A book to savour.’ Kate Furnivall, author of The Russian Concubine
‘An assured debut with a page-turning conclusion.’ Daily Express
About the author
Liz worked for many years as a journalist for national and regional newspapers, and for BBC radio and television news, and is now a full time writer.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Prompted by her plucky granddaughter Emily, straight-talking matriarch Lily Verner reflects on her experiences growing up and running the family silk mill during World War II—and reveals a devastating personal secret. Author Liz Trenow’s family produced the invaluable raw material for parachutes during the war, and she weaves fascinating details about silk production into her tenderly moving debut. The story of Lily’s passionate and ill-fated affair with Stefan, a German Jewish refugee and weaver, is a poignant reminder of life’s uncertainties, the choices that may come back to haunt us—and the redemptive powers of acceptance and forgiveness.
Customer Reviews
Emotive tale
Initially I thought this book wouldn't be for me but quickly the characters grabbed me and I was hooked. I read it in a morning. It's a great story and an easy read.
Fantastic read
This book had me gripped from page one. It is a story which saw me filling up in one moment and smiling the next; striking a perfect balance. I would recommend it to all, for any occasion!
Emotional ending
I was somewhat bored when I had read over half the book, but somehow it kept me interested. The ending where Lilly was an old woman who had finally found Gwen and subsequently Lilly on her deathbed, was a moving conclusion.