The War Child

Everything will change, my love, she whispers to her only baby. I will make sure you are protected, looked after, loved. She commits his smell, the feel of him, to memory and fastens the gold St Christopher’s medal around his neck, tucking it into the blanket. Kissing him one last time, she lets him go. And with him go the pieces of her shattered heart.

London, 1940. Clara Knight grew up an orphan in the First World War and is now nursing brave soldiers as a second war rages through Europe. She falls in love with one of her patients, whose warm brown eyes give her hope for a brighter future. But then he must leave, and Clara is alone with their child amidst the bombs raining down on the city… When she is offered the chance to give her son a better life, Clara makes the impossible choice to let him go. She leaves her mother’s precious St Christopher pendant with him, vowing to find him again when the war is over, so they can be a family once more.

Years later. As her life falls apart, Indira’s only solace is spending time with her grandfather. When he begins to tell her stories from his past, he speaks about a woman named Clara that she has never heard of before. Indira can see in his eyes that there’s more he isn’t telling her. She goes looking for the truth… and discovers a tattered package of unsent letters and a gold St Christopher’s medal. Indira is determined to find out what happened to Clara. Her quest will reveal a devastating secret hidden for decades, and change everything she thought she knew about her family…

An unforgettable and heart-breaking novel set in World War Two about the powerful bond between a mother and her child and a betrayal that echoes across generations. Anyone who loves Orphan Train, Before We Were Yours and Shirley Dickson will find The War Child impossible to put down.

What readers are saying about The War Child:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘WOW… I was hooked! This book was so beautifully done. Easy FIVE STAR READ!?? I was hooked from the very first page and I couldn’t turn them quick enough! Amazing, unique, stunning.’ @oh.happy.reading

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I was completely immersed in the story from the first page. Emotionally gripping, it will take your breath away. The best historical fiction book.’ Deanne’s Book Thoughts

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Absolutely beautiful read! This book is everything I could want in a story. Full to the brim with wonderfully authentic characters, and with a heart-wrenching storyline, this book is right at the top of best reads for 2021.’ NetGalley reviewer

Readers absolutely love Renita D’Silva!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘OMG… The story takes on an unexpected, shocking twist… Ended up with tears running down my cheeks… That ending (WOW!) will remain imprinted on my mind for many years… I really enjoyed this book… Simply fantastic!!… Highly recommended!!’ Relax and Read Reviews

‘LOVE LOVE LOVED this fabulous novel… I couldn’t put it down… Stunning and beautifully written… Highly recommended.’ NetGalley reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I was completely mesmerised by this entire story and I read the whole book on my flight… Heartbreaking and compelling… I loved every minute.’ Stacy is Reading

‘BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND EMOTIONALLY GRIPPING… Just took my breath away!… I shed a little tear… Amazing!’ Goodreads reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow… I am lost for words… Wonderful, beautiful… You will fall in love… If I could give this book 100 stars I would.’ Goodreads reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘My favourite book read this year… I cannot recommend this book highly enough… You’re going to LOVE this one.’ Little Miss No Sleep