An alcoholic close to death, Emma, a once beautiful woman with the promise of a bright future, lives the last few years of her life in a squalid basement room. In an attempt to banish loneliness, she takes comfort in recalling happier moments shared with loved ones, but is also forced to relive a series of disastrous relationships.This gripping family saga traces her story from childhood, life as a young woman in war-ravaged London, and a period of affluence and happiness filled with the desire of creating a family of her own. Her hopes are thwarted, and her marriage starts to fail. During this time, she forges a bond with a Scottish couple who bear the scars of a tragic past.Unable to cope with her disappointments, broken dreams, and a devastating revelation, inexorably she embarks on a spiral of self-destruction. Even the unwavering presence of the man who gave up everything for her cannot release her from the prison of her own making.

Geraldine Stevens was born and grew up in Essex but has lived most of her life abroad. Eager to see something of the world, at the age of eighteen she moved to Germany, where she took a degree at Hamburg University. She continued her career in teaching in Italy. A love of storytelling and a creative writing course spurred her to put pen to paper and write her first novel, A Tarnished Life. Geraldine has three grown-up sons and now lives in Sardinia with her Italian husband. She is an honorary member of Trinity College, London.

Customer Reviews

5.0

20 reviews

Mike Green

A compelling and believable storyline following the trials and tribulations of Emma and her family through the 20th century. Set primarily in an area I am familiar with and can relate to. Characters developed well and a great debut novel from an author I shall look out for in future.
Paul Wood

I have just finished reading A Tarnished Life and would thoroughly recommend it. It is a an excellent mirror on social history written through the eyes of the leading character Emma. I particularly liked the story telling style of relating the story through the eyes of the individual characters from their own perspective. Well done Geraldine!
Jessica I.

A super first novel which brings us snippets of English daily life, as we follow Emma through her ‘Tarnished Life’. While writing about the Coles’ family, the author imparts a wealth of information about historical events and geographical facts plus detailed descriptions of landscapes and characters. This book was really hard to put down and I’m really looking forward to a second novel from Geraldine Stevens. A truly captivating fiction which is beautifully written and very moving - an absolute must!
Cotichella Francesco

There are books that don’t just tell a story but take you on an emotional and intellectual journey. This is one of those books. The narrative captures you from the very first pages, with an elegant and incisive style that balances detailed descriptions and realistic dialogue. The author’s style is impeccable: fluid, evocative, and capable of turning even the simplest details into memorable moments. This is a book that doesn’t just entertain but leaves a lasting impression. A must-read for anyone looking not just for a story, but for an enriching experience.
M Jung

An exquisite, brilliantly written, wrenching novel and an inspiring read. A Tarnished Life, by first time author Geraldine Stevens, is an indispensable book of a time that doesn’t exist anymore. A wonderful British family saga that explores relationships and finely captures the humor and sobriety with all the back and forth between what is observable and what is not. It deals with the pursuit of happiness, thwarted hopes and broken dreams, maybe with inevitable consequences, that are as relevant today, as they were then, if not more so. A remarkable and surprising must-read that deserves to find its way onto any reading list.
Ken Ward

A really interesting read, the intertwined family story was compelling. As the story progressed I found at one moment I felt sorry for Emma the main character, then as she did something I felt it was her own fault. The book kept me intrigued and I enjoyed how everything was brought to a conclusion. If you enjoy family dramas then certainly recommend this book.
Lorraine Winchcombe

This book is a thoroughly good read and I would definitely recommend it. I couldn’t put this book down it’s so well written & the story is so true to life. The Author has described the characters and their situations so well. I couldn’t wait to get my next opportunity to pick this book back up. I will definitely be keeping a look out for any more books from this Author
Rowena Dawsom

A Tarnished Life got me in from Chapter 1. I wanted to know why Emma was in the basement and who her captive was. I was actually frightened for her - the writing was so good. Geraldine Steven’s has a beautiful writing style. I especially liked her excellent descriptions of the landscapes and settings throughout the book. The novel explores many themes of everyday lives and the decisions that people make. An excellent read.