An evocative tale of love, fear and duty, set against the backdrop of the nineteen fifties, with the emergence of apartheid in South Africa and the criminal nature of homosexuality in the UK.
South Africa, 1953 – Father Daniel Blakemore is happy on his missionary secondment in small, rural Providence Hospital on the Eastern Cape. Being away from England makes it easier for him to conceal his homosexuality – a secret that would destroy everything he’s ever worked for.
But when Doctor Eddie Raleigh takes up his new position at Providence, the two men are instantly drawn to one another. Their liaison represents both Daniel’s deepest desire and his worst nightmare. If the archdeacon in London learns of his true nature, Daniel’s life in the church will be over.
Broken-hearted, Daniel breaks things off with Eddie. And to get away from his sorrows, he leaves his beloved missionary work behind, and returns to Stepney.
Will time and distance alleviate Daniel’s pain, or will happiness be forever elusive? Or will love, finally, find a way?
Shortlisted for the 2019 First Novel Award and longlisted for the Bridport Award 2019.
Cover: Red Dog Press
South Africa, 1953 – Father Daniel Blakemore is happy on his missionary secondment in small, rural Providence Hospital on the Eastern Cape. Being away from England makes it easier for him to conceal his homosexuality – a secret that would destroy everything he’s ever worked for.
But when Doctor Eddie Raleigh takes up his new position at Providence, the two men are instantly drawn to one another. Their liaison represents both Daniel’s deepest desire and his worst nightmare. If the archdeacon in London learns of his true nature, Daniel’s life in the church will be over.
Broken-hearted, Daniel breaks things off with Eddie. And to get away from his sorrows, he leaves his beloved missionary work behind, and returns to Stepney.
Will time and distance alleviate Daniel’s pain, or will happiness be forever elusive? Or will love, finally, find a way?
Shortlisted for the 2019 First Novel Award and longlisted for the Bridport Award 2019.
Cover: Red Dog Press