The Williamson sisters, Penny and Josephine, are both in
their nineties and about to be awarded the Legion of Honor by the French
government. They see the trip to Paris as a chance to settle a few old scores.
The Excitements by C. J. Wray introduces the
reader to two delightfully eccentric characters in Josephine and Penny
Williamson. At the ages of 99 and 97 respectively they should be enjoying a
quiet life, however, they are extremely young for their age and are determined
to live their lives according to the motto “Every opportunity for fun must be
seized”. This means that their great-nephew, Archie Williamson, has to find
ways to pepper their lives with “excitements” while ensuring they come to no
harm.
During World War II both sisters played an active role.
Josephine was a member of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (Wrens) and Penny
joined the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY). These roles mean that they are
regularly invited to take part in memorial services, events that Archie hopes
will be sufficient, and safe, entertainment for the sisters. In reality, the
sisters find these types of events boring.
As the story jumps back in time we meet younger versions of
Josephine and Penny and learn about the events which motivated them to seek
active service. While Josephine’s story is clouded in mystery it is an obvious
one and gives us an understanding as to why she left home as soon as possible
to join the Wrens.
The Excitements is really Penny’s story. Feeling
slighted by her sister leaving home abruptly she is determined to play her
part in the war effort. After joining the FANY’s she uses her self-taught hand-to-hand combat
defense skills to save herself from a compromising position and this brings her
to the attention of the Special Operations Executive. The SOE trains Penny to
be dropped into France to help the Resistance.
Back to today, the skills that the sisters have acquired
over a lifetime prove extremely useful when they are put in difficult
situations. Woe betide anyone who assumes they are dealing with a couple of
doddering old women.
I absolutely adored the time spent with Penny and Josephine.
This pair of eccentric kleptomaniacs who swear like builders will charm
everyone. I am sure that there will be a sequel, possibly something that
features Josephine more and reveals her antics during the war.
The Excitements by C. J. Wray will be
published on 18th January 2024 in hardback, ebook and audio format.
My thanks to NetGalley and Orion for a review copy.
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