Across a Broken Shore

Across a Broken Shore by Amy Trueblood is a historical young adult fiction novel published by North Star Editions in 2019. This 352-page book is set in 1936 and follows eighteen-year-old Wilhelmina “Willa” MacCarthy, who grapples with her family’s expectations as the only daughter among four sons. While her Irish-Catholic family hopes she will take vows to become a nun, Willa finds herself drawn to a different path, sneaking away to assist Doctor Katherine Winston in her medical clinic in San Francisco’s Richmond District.

Readers will find a narrative that explores themes of coming of age and social dynamics in the United States during the 20th century. As Willa navigates her secret life and the challenges of working at a field hospital near the Golden Gate Bridge, she encounters a dashing young ironworker and faces the complexities of her desires. The story delves into Willa’s internal conflicts and the risks she takes, highlighting her journey of self-discovery amidst societal expectations.