The Scarlet Sisters
The Scarlet Sisters by Helen Batten, published by Ebury Publishing on July 1, 2015, is a 384-page exploration of family history and personal discovery. This narrative follows Batten’s journey as she delves into her grandmother Bertha Swain’s secretive past, revealing a rich tapestry of love, loss, and survival against the backdrop of two world wars. The story unfolds through the lens of five spirited women navigating the challenges of poverty and societal expectations, uncovering both scandal and resilience.
Readers will find a compelling account of the complexities of family ties, as Batten uncovers shocking revelations, including a death in a workhouse and a clandestine marriage. The narrative also highlights themes of hope and love, featuring moments of joy such as late-night Charlestons and unexpected connections. Through her investigation, Batten not only sheds light on her nanna’s life but also begins to confront her own struggles, suggesting a path toward healing and renewed love. This edition is presented in English and offers insights into historical and social contexts relevant to women in Great Britain.
Official synopsis Publisher
A granddaughter’s search for her nanna’s secret past — a story of love and loss, poverty and survival.
“’Oh my goodness — another girl Mrs Swain!’”
“Clara’s normal iron composure broke and she screamed, ‘No! That’s not the bloody deal!’”
“And that is how my nanna, Bertha Swain, entered the world.”
When Helen Batten’s marriage breaks down, she starts on a journey of discovery into her family’s past and the mysteries surrounding her enigmatic nanna’s early life. What she unearths is a tale of five feisty red heads struggling to climb out of poverty and find love through two world wars. It’s a story full of surprises and scandal — a death in a workhouse, a son kept in a box, a shameful war record, a clandestine marriage and children taken far too soon. It’s as if there is a family curse.
But Helen also finds love, resilience and hope — crazy wagers, late night Charlestons and stolen kisses. As she unravels the story of Nanna and her scarlet sisters, Helen starts to break the spell of the past, and sees a way she might herself find love again.”
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