It's here! Browse the 2024 Penguin Christmas gift guide
The Family At War

The Family At War

An Adams Family Saga Novel

Summary

It was 1940, and many of the younger members of the Adams family were caught up in the war in France. Boots, now a Major and on the staff of General Sir Henry Simms, was one of the thousands of British troops trying to escape in the armada of little boats from Dunkirk. His son Tim and nephew Bobby were also struggling to reach the coast and safety, while Eloise was with the ATS awaiting the homecoming soldiers at Portsmouth with a comforting cup of tea and a ticket home. Boots and Tim both made it safely back, but of Bobby there was no sign, and the family all feared the worst.

In a farm some miles from Dunkirk, however, Bobby was alive but injured, and trapped by the advancing Germans. The farmer and his wife offered him refuge but Helene, the farmer's independent-minded daughter, was scathing about the retreating British army and gave the brave, joking young sergeant a hard time. Working in the fields, dodging the German soldiers, Bobby was desperately looking for a way to escape and Helene, despite her hostility, found herself increasingly anxious to help the Englishman to get back home. Their adventures were to thrill the Adams family when they came to hear about it.

About the author

Mary Jane Staples

Mary Jane Staples was born, bred and educated in Walworth, and was the author of many bestselling novels including the ever-popular cockney sagas featuring the Adams family. She died in 2005.
Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more