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.
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2 reviews
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In this gripping tale, Geraldine has masterfully crafted a story which demonstrates how a person can be negatively impacted by events that are beyond one’s own control. Readers are delighted with vivid portrayals of life from post-WWII to the present. It’s a beautifully rendered novel filled with a myriad of colourful characters some of whom you’ll grow to love, and others you’ll love to hate. Highly recommended.
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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.
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