Patrimony - Jane Thynne

A compelling and accomplished first novel which follows the progress of a young film maker haunted by the subject of her first film, a little known 1st World War poet, Valentine Siddons.

After her film researcher mysteriously disappears taking all his research with him, Elsa Meyers is obliged to research the film herself. The subject of this film is a 1st World War poet who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. Aided by the poet's grandson, also his biographer, she discovers that Valentine Siddons may not be the hero she has been led to believe. Her professional partnership with his grandson, Dr Oliver Eastway, leads to romantic involvement and a professional conflict of loyalties. Should Valentine Siddons: A Life be more accurately titled Valentine Siddons: A Lie?

Jane Thynne combines two compulsive parallel stories, skilfully weaving past and present, fact and fiction, and builds to a dramatic conclusion.