Maureen Myant Livres

Czechoslovakia, 1942. Jan's father has been summarily executed by the Nazis. His mother and his older sister Maria have disappeared, and his younger sister Lena has been removed to a remote farm in the German countryside. With Europe is in the throes of war, the ten-year-old boy embarks on a personal journey to reunite the family he has been violently torn from. The experiences he goes through and the horror he faces during this desperate quest will change his life for ever. While examining the devastating effects of war on ordinary families, "The Search" provides an exploration of fear and loss, and of the bond between parents and children. Riveting, moving, at times disturbing, Maureen Myant's debut novel will haunt its readers for a long time after they have put it down.

The story revolves around Kate, who is thrown into turmoil after the unexpected appearance of a man claiming to be her uncle at her mother's funeral. Confusion deepens when she discovers her own death certificate, leading her to question her identity. As she grapples with her mother's mysterious past, threatening phone calls add to her anxiety, pushing her to uncover hidden truths about her life and family. The narrative explores themes of identity, loss, and the impact of secrets on personal history.

Set in a seemingly idyllic neighborhood in southside Glasgow, the story contrasts the neat, manicured homes with an underlying sense of unease. The pristine exteriors hide darker secrets, suggesting a tension between appearance and reality. The setting serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of decay and hidden lives, challenging the notion that all is well in this quiet community.