Kirjahaku

Finn Brennan, the woman who has everything. Her handsome husband, a radio personality, is beloved of the women of Ireland. Her two gorgeous sons are making a name for themselves in films. She has a lavish house in Dublin. What does she have to complain about?Finn eagerly anticipates her 40th birthday but spends the day alone and crying, forced to realise that she is literally a housewife. She has married a house For over twenty years she has supported her husband in his career. She has raised two sons to manhood. She practically rebuilt the family home with her own sweat and labour. Her one escape is the garden workshop where she beats metal into fantasy figures.The day after her birthday she resigns her position as wife and mother. Her husband and sons fight the change in their lives but she holds firm. She locks herself in her workshop. Her fantasy figures don't care if she looks a mess and can't stop crying. Dare Lawrence, a wealthy Irishman living in America, discovers her secret world and wants some of it. He insists she puts a price on her figures, something Finn finds impossible to do. He shows her work to his friends in Hollywood. After years of her husband demanding that she hide her 'little hobby' suddenly the world comes calling. They want what she has created.

Krista thought she would settle into her new life but the world had other ideas. Germany and Hitler are threatening war. No one can turn a blind eye to what is happening.Her friend Perry, a young man injured in a horse riding accident, is bitter because he cannot fight for his country.Krista becomes involved in a plan to remove children from danger zones in Europe. Her skill at languages will be much in demand. But is that all that will be demanded of her?Perry and Krista are approached and asked to risk everything and travel into Germany. Are they brave enough to agree and survive what is asked of them?

1938 - Krista is living and working in the tiny village of Metz on the French-German border. The world she has lived in all her life is changing. There is a feeling of oppression in the air. People no long stop to chat with their neighbours. Young men she grew up with are joining Hitler's Youth - becoming disruptive bullies.Then Krista overhears a conversation that will change her life. She must escape. Without a plan and with no time to think, she hides in the back of a car driven by an Englishman - and finds herself being driven through France into Belgium and finally sailing to Great Britain.Will this new life be any better than the one she left behind?

Krista's eyes are opened to the wider world around her. She sails to England in the company of her English teacher and a German aristocrat. She is frightened and unsure of her place in the world. What will become of her when she reaches England?There are secrets revealed about Krista's life - secrets she knows nothing about. She has people who care what happens to her. But because of the happenings in the world they cannot become involved in her life.It is decided that Krista should work in the London home of Captain Caulfield, as a companion and assistant to Lia Caulfield and her twin sons. Will she be able to find her place in this strange new world?

Krista and Perry begin their perilous journey from England across Belgium and into Germany. They are posing as a rich young married couple. Can they pull off the ruse?Initially their mission was to rescue a renowned scientist and his wife. The information the man holds is vital if Britain - as it is becoming more and more likely - joins the war.Then everything changes, and their mission becomes more perilous than before.The pair must rely on their wits and one another as they travel across a world being torn apart by the threat of war.

Krista and Perry arrive back in England from Germany. Perry is whisked away by the powers that be for debriefing. He has an important role to play. Krista is sent on her way with her new British passport in hand.She is legally in Britain now. No one can make her do anything she doesn't want to do. That doesn't stop them trying. The shadowy figure of Mr Brown has her under observation. He wants to use her for his own purposes. He is not alone in wanting Krista under his control. Perry too has need of her skills. She stands firm, refusing to be used. She will not be controlled.With the clouds of war continuing to gather over Europe, Krista returns to school. With shorthand, typing and her language skills, she hopes to find a well-paid position. She needs to make her own way in life.

Krista has completed her shorthand and typing course. She now has more opportunities available to her - or has she? With the constant threat of war in Europe shaking the nation, she is unsure of her future.Too many people in the shadows appear to be paying attention to what she does. She can feel eyes upon her but has no idea whose. Is she under threat? Could it be the Grey Man? He has wanted to use her in the past - is he still of the same mind? Or are there others who wish to use her? What should she do?Someone wants her cast adrift from the safe refuge she has found. They are willing and powerful enough to force the issue. Who and why? Krista must once again step out into the unknown.

War is coming Britain struggles to prepare. Krista begins naval training with women determined to 'do their bit' for their country. The negative attitude of the naval men forces the women to close ranks. They are determined to succeed.When Krista's friend Perry appears on the base, Krista is pleased to see a friendly face but comes in for a great deal of teasing from the other women. Imagine, her friend is an admiral's son On an evening out with Perry, Krista is shocked to find the man she was raised to believe was her brother, Philippe Dumas, working as a chef. What is he doing in England?The world around Krista is constantly changing and all she can do is try to survive the shocks and surprises ahead of her. She has a duty to perform.

War has been declared. Men and Women from all over Britain are being conscripted. Krista and Perry are in the thick of it. Krista and her fellow Special Service Wrens are much in demand. There are no rules in place for what is demanded of them - they must just get on with the job at hand to the best of their abilities.Krista is challenged like never before. She must find ways to accomplish what is asked of her. Who knew when she left France that she would be called upon to help in the protection of Britain? But it doesn't matter now. She is in it for the duration. She will succeed or fail on her own merit. She is not alone: every citizen of Britain will be involved in the fight to survive.

It's December 1939 and the British forces are bracing for what the year 1940 may bring. Food is becoming scarce as merchant ships are being attacked, stopping the supply of foodstuffs to England. Krista and her friends feel surplus to requirements as their commanding officer prepares to initiate his long-held plans. They are loaned out to different departments within the Wrens. What does this mean for their futures? Krista is once more sent out on a mission with Perry. It's just an information-gathering exercise. Or is it? Krista will be challenged as never before. Is she up to the task? She has to be. She has no other option.

Gemma Jackson's Aprire is a pamphlet deeply rooted in the traditions of experimental poetry, eschewing titles and capital letters for a fluid, stream of consciousness style, tidal wave of poetry. Aprire, the Italian verb for 'open', is a lucid and original pamphlet containing myriad forms and strange, often surprising, content. Aprire, to borrow a phrase from Jackson, is: "what happens when they give you language."