A House Divided

• Unabridged

In the late 1940s, Michael Wallingham struggles to accept the reality of his post-war life. Having lost his vision in battle, Michael returns an embittered hero to his upper-crust family. Frustrated by his own weakness, his father's stern class formality, and his brother's jealousy, Michael finds solace and love in the arms of his nurse, Elizabeth Ducksworth.

Cookson fans will enjoy the careful development of this story line and the generous sprinkling of colloquial color. While the issues of class conflict may seem a bit stale to modern readers, themes of filial jealousy and marital vacuousness are eternal. A solid novel, even with its lack of profundity. --Nancy R.E. O'Brien