The Apple of her Eye

Pam Evans’ family saga brings post-war London vividly to life as, amid rationing and food shortages, a young girl finds a passion for growing her own vegetables.

It is February 1945 and April Green and her cousin Heather wonder if the war will ever end. Then the local pub in Chiswick takes a direct hit and April’s father is killed in the blast. Life without him is hard to bear and April and her brother do all they can to help, particularly when their mother announces she is pregnant. Volunteering to tend her father’s allotment, April discovers a passion for growing vegetables.

Meanwhile, Winnie Benson is coming to terms with her husband’s spinal injuries. He may never walk again and, until their son, George, returns from the Merchant Navy, Winnie must run their greengrocer’s on her own. Once the war is over and George is home, things start to improve but rationing remains in force and fresh vegetables are hard to find. April’s supply of home-grown produce couldn’t be more welcome. And, before long, George can’t help wishing he was the apple of her eye…