Living Underground

Ruth E. Walker- Living Underground

The Allies won both World Wars and our history books make clear who were the bad guys and who were not. But “the enemy” is often just another ordinary person caught up in extraordinary events. And the effects of those two wars continue to echo to contemporary times.

Sheila Barnes is a shy and unhappy teen living in 1960s suburban Toronto. Sheila’s dismal childhood is transformed when Sigmund Maier, the family’s enigmatic German tenant, introduces her to opera, music and much more. Later in her adult life, Sheila reconnects with Sigmund when he asks for her help with an immigration issue. Perhaps now she will discover the truth of why he vanished years ago? But, “truth” has no clear definition and memories are nebulous.

Sheila is drawn into the turmoil and accusations surrounding Sigmund’s life before and during World War II. As she struggles with her own issues and family conflicts, she is forced to confront the secrets she has held for over 30 years.

Suitable for mature readers, “Living Underground” is a popular book club selection and a top-ten contender for the Canadian Authors’ Association book award in 2013.

Author Ruth E. Walker is a popular creative writing workshop facilitator, and a respected editor and writing coach. A member of the editorial team with Life to Paper Publishing, Ruth also is co-owner of Writescape, working with her own clients in a variety of genres. Ruth lives and writes in Oshawa, Ontario, and her novels are represented by Ali McDonald, 5 Otter Literary.

https://writescape.ca/site/2021/09/living-underground-a-novel/