Ray Hobbs

A Year from Now Ray Hobbs

Recovering from a disabling injury, ninety-five-year-old Kate Whitehead can take no part in the VE Day seventieth anniversary celebrations, but a meeting with hospital visitor Rachel sends her on her own journey of recollection.

It begins one evening in 1939, when Kate and her four closest friends meet for the last time before war takes control of their lives and sends them on their separate ways.

Kate is a nurse in the second year of her training. Dorothy, pretty and independent, is biding her time before deciding on her chosen war work. Maurice, the youngest of the group, has only ever wanted to join the Royal Air Force. By contrast, Alan has recently come down from Cambridge University, brash, self-assured and fully expecting a commission in the RAF. Jack, quiet and determined, has already joined the Navy.

As the older Kate relates their highs, lows and romantic adventures to Rachel, she realises that her new friend is struggling to make sense of her life and takes on a vitally supportive role. In this way the two stories begin generations apart but with facets that are timeless.