Distressed more by the fact of losing her beautiful clothes than having to live in an England at war, Lucy continues in similar vein, grudging her time in a cottage on a requisitioned estate and shunning the patients installed in the big house. Can she redeem herself? Will we ever get to like or respect her when she clearly neither likes nor respects herself? This interesting position casts a different light on war living, showing us someone determined to disparage rather than make do and dig for victory.

The Cornish seaside town of Newquay, today adored by windsurfers, is presented in its World War II stoic saltiness. The streets are crowded with men in khaki, mostly British cadets, so shops and cinemas are doing a brisk trade. Since the bombing of Pearl Harbor, American GIs have been appearing among the crowds. Lucy still wants more excitement, and boards a train for London, hoping to be discovered by a Hollywood producer rumoured to be staying in the city. A young evacuee, Bill Smedley from Bethnal Green who wants to return home, is her companion. As they near the city altered by blackouts and bombing, Lucy Stanhope starts to experience another side of life.

Secrets of Nanreath Hall is the previous book by author Alix Rickloff, which does come up in conversation in this book as the home of Lucy's aunt, Lady Boxley. I noted that people are shown putting on a coat to go out, but not putting the strap of their gas mask case over their shoulder as required. We do see a sewing circle, full of village gossip and sympathy or dread as the telegram boy is seen on his rounds. Young women were required to sign up for war work of many sorts, but Lucy gets away with idleness. The real hero of the tale is indomitable young Bill, and we also find another serviceman or two, while the famous producer tells of his nights in the bomb-site city. THE WAY TO LONDON is complex and at times distressing, but richly portrays the times and characters. Lucy undertakes a journey of the spirit as well as the physical, emerging changed from her experiences. Travel with her and appreciate the struggle for victory.