Their Finest Hour and a Half by Lissa Evans

A black comedy about the making of a propaganda film in World War II, perfect for fans of Kate Atkinson

In 1940, every draft of every film script had to be approved by the Ministry of Information. Cast and crew were waiting to be called up at any moment, travel was restricted and filming was interrupted by regular bombing raids. And so it is that we find a disparate group of characters whose paths would never have crossed in peacetime: Ambrose Hilliard, a washed up old ham from the golden era of silent movies; Catrin Cole, formerly an advertising copywriter drafted in to ‘write women’ for the Ministry of Information; Edith Beadmore, a wardrobe assistant at Madame Tussauds; and Arthur Frith, peacetime catering manager turned wartime Special Military Advisor.

This distinct group find themselves thrown together in the wilds of Norfolk to ‘do their bit’ on the latest propaganda film – a heart-warming tale of derring do, of two sisters who set out in a leaking old wooden boat to rescue the brave men trapped at Dunkirk. All completely fabricated, of course, but what does that matter when the nation’s morale is at s

Lissa Evans

Reviews

“ [Lissa Evans] displays a fine eye for detail and for the absurdities involved in filming. She also brilliantly evokes the disruption and dangers of wartime London. This funny, heart-warming and beautifully crafted novel is a must-read ”

Daily Mail

“ Beautifully written, minutely observed and researched, evocative and very funny tale ”

Michele Hanson, Guardian

“ Comic, poignant and altogether delightful, raised spirits are guaranteed ”

Easy Living

“ This is a comic novel, but far warmer in tone and broader in scope than that label would suggest...Gloriously observed...Hilliard is a wonderful creation - and Evans's recreated propaganda scripts are a total joy. Delicious ”

The Times

“ Pitch-perfect in tone and populated by some unforgettable characters, Lissa Evans's blackly comic new novel is a delight ”

The Gloss Magazine

“ Her Orange longlisted novel comes close to Michael Moorcock's Mother London, or even Sara Waters's The Night Watch, in illuminating not just the deprivations, but also the liberations of the war years ”

Guardian

“ Her tale of artistes attempting a morale-boosting low-budget British film in 1941 is a joy...Evans knows exactly when to play scenes for their wry comedy and when to play things straight...the austerity of domestic life is beautifully caught...This is the truest and most enjoyable novel about home-front life I've read; it's touching and hilarious ”

Christopher Fowler, Independent on Sunday

“ The characters and their dialogue and the author's quiet humour are what make this really sing. It deserves to do really well. ”

Daily Telegraph

“ A triumph...A compulsively readable tragi-comedy to savour. ***** ”

Sunday Express

“ This novel has clever narrative, lively dialogue and lyrical imagery. I loved the author's highly polished prose, whether sparkling with wit or achingly poignant. She creates a magical blend of humour and pathos. I enjoyed every page. ”

New Books Magazine

“ This affectionate and brilliantly observed novel has the charm of a black and white movie filtered through the knowing eye of a modern writer, whose sparkling prose is as highly crafted as an ivory carving. Its wry humour is complemented by the genuine drama faced by each of the characters. ”

You Magazine (Mail on Sunday) Book of the Month

“ Evans's evocation of Britain at war is richly observed, poignant and very witty. It's a terrific read, packed with memorable characters ”

Mail on Sunday

“ I defy anyone not to fall for Lissa Evans' smart, funny, ingenious, revealing tale of London life during the Second World War ”

Independent on Sunday