Willa is a polite and respectable young woman, trying to cope with the tedium of her life whilst her husband is away on a year-long cruise with the Navy. Living with a controlling mother-in-law only serves to fuel her sense of claustrophobia. Her only escape is to submerge herself in books, and at her local library she meets Richard, a charming and intelligent young writer who shares her passion for reading. As their relationship blossoms, it begins to change Willa's life. Despite her initial reluctance, she allows herself to enjoy the taste of a different existence, yet all the while struggling with the knowledge that Tommy's steady progress will eventually bring him back home...
Beautifully written and emotionally charged, After You’ve Gone is a fascinating account of one woman’s struggle to find happiness and independence in 1920s society.
When Willa met Tommy Costello, a handsome, smooth-tongued sailor, she thought he had finally found what she was looking for. With no family of her own, Willa longed for unity, love and adventure. Tommy appeared to offer her all of that. But life is never simple...
Now a wife and mother, Willa is left behind with her controlling mother-in-law when Tommy begins a year-long round-the-world tour with the Navy. Her only escape is through reading books. And it is at the local library that she meets Richard Fitzwilliam, whose friendship gradually begins to change Willa’s life. Despite her initial reluctance, she finds herself beginning to enjoy - even prefer - the new life being offered to her. But how long can it last, as Tommy’s steady progress around the world will eventually bring him back home?
