The Oyster Girl

A sweeping historical saga, The Oyster Girl by Margaret Pemberton follows the lives of three families in a small oyster fishing town on the south-east coast of England – whose lives are changed forever by the First World War. May, 1910. The village of Oystertown is home to Janna Shilling and those who make their living from the sea. Yet social circles soon extend beyond the harbour, when a boating disaster brings Janna and her family into contact with the aristocratic Layards who own a mansion just outside of town. Recently arrived in town are the Picards, who lead a bohemian existence, their family home a disused windmill. As an artist, Pascal has settled in the small fishing village because of its extraordinary light that allows him to create works of art that can be sold in London. Meanwhile, his children Marietta and Daniel become friendly with the Shilling and Layard families, and love soon blossoms in the most unlikely of places. When news of the king's death sends shock waves through the country, each of these families will bravely face the turning tides of history. As powerful forces in Europe lurch towards a war, their lives will be changed forever . . .