Readers are invited to hear Alrene Hughes talk about her books at Radcliffe Library on Thursday 26 July.

Alrene’s latest novel “The Girl in the Pink Raincoat” (published by Head of Zeus) is set in Manchester and Bury during the Second World War.

With whispers of war across Europe, many are uncertain of what the future will bring. For Gracie Earnshaw, who works in German-Jewish owned Rosenberg’s raincoat factory, life is turned upside down when she meets the boss’s charismatic nephew, Jacob.

Through Jacob, with his ambitions to be a writer, Gracie glimpses another world: theatre, music and prejudice. But their hidden romance is tested when war finally erupts and tragedy unfolds.

Gracie struggles with heartbreak, danger and old family secrets. But, eventually, the love of her first sweetheart comes back to her in an unexpected way, giving her the strength to carry on and find happiness again.

While researching the novel, she was surprised to come across the notorious history of Warth Mills, and the hardships suffered by internees and the effects this had on their families and loved ones.

Alrene  grew up in Belfast and has lived in Manchester for most of her adult life. She worked for British Telecom and the BBC before training as an English teacher. After teaching for twenty years, she retired and now writes full-time.

Alrene has also written “Martha’s Girl”, “The Golden Sisters” and “A Song in my Heart”.

The event starts at 7.30pm and refreshments will be provided. Admission is free, but tickets must be booked at https://www.warthmillsproject.com/events/audience-with-alrene-hughes/

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