Fate by Design has an interesting plot, a historical fiction focusing on the challenges of a single mother in a small 1950s mining town after her husband disappears. The reader is brought up to speed quickly as we first meet Cassie Gallagher in an interview room and context is easily provided.
I think Fate by design was incredibly well-researched and that this would be a brilliant book for fans of modern history, whether that’s fiction or fact. The challenges faced by Cassie the vulnerability of her position endeared me to her throughout. I loved that this book focused on a small community and the author's writing really brought the people and the setting to life as I read. I am aware of some aspects of mining communities and I was fascinated to learn more about how changes throughout the 50s and 60s had an impact on the towns and the people.
I found Fate by Design an insightful read and I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a book about history or, community and self-development.
A mining town in Britain in 1951. Cassie’s husband Eddie disappears, leaving her to raise their young son. Despite no contact, maintenance payments are made. Cassie returns to work, supported by friends, and tries to build a new life. She is introduced to books and embarks on a journey of self-development and political activism. Trust is a barrier to new relationships – will that ever be resolved? While post war optimism continues, pit closures herald the town’s demise, leaving her decisions to make. The 1960s bring social change and unresolved issues reach a climax with dramatic revelations, concerning identity and fate.