Author Description

When WWII is declared on 3rd September 1939, twins Jane and Rose Harrison are eleven years old. They should have started at the new Grammar School next day, but are being evacuated to Norfolk, returning home before the London blitz begins. The girls are very different in appearance and personality, but devoted to each other. Jane is tall and somewhat angular, her brown eyes and dark, straight hair showing little sign of the elegant young woman she would become. She ignores the unfair nickname of 'the plain one', but Rose tries to copy the 'blonde bombshell' looks she sees at the cinema. Jane is realistic about her dream of becoming a concert pianist, whereas Rose is convinced that it is her destiny is to be a famous singing and dancing star, like Ginger Rogers. She does not study so hard as Jane, but usually gets good results despite little effort. Unfortunately their mother, Nell, supports Rose's belief and pays little attention to Jane's efforts or need for affection. As with most families, war brings a mixture of warmth, humour and tragedy to the Harrisons. Their house is bombed and relatives arrive on the doorstep of their next home. Combined with fears about her eldest son, a missing glider pilot, Nell's health suffers. Jane tackles more chores, but only her sister receives any affectionate gratitude. When Jane works for the same firm as a clerk she discovers that Rose is a machinist, not a model, and is now more interested in luxury items provided by American soldiers. Although she knows her pretty blonde sister is pretending to be older, Jane is shocked to see a photograph of her outside a strip-club. Apparently she was approached by two dodgy 'agents', who said it was the only way into films but Rose is now disillusioned and agrees with Jane that she will leave...