The Heritage You Leave Behind — Susan Steggall

Glasgow 1948. Twenty-three-year-old sculptor Ellie (Eilean) Gilmartin grew up in the shadow of her father’s torment following his British Army service in World War I. Believing her mother died when she was a toddler, the revelation that Finella left her husband and daughter, leads Ellie to travel to Australia (the country of Finella’s birth) to find out why. After bureaucratic obstacles, psychological and physical threats Ellie discovers the truth about her parents’ difficult lives, in the process learning that she cannot change the past, nor assume responsibility for the deeds of her parents but recognise their transgressions – and leave their tragic heritage behind.Through the actions of a powerful main opponent Ellie finds hitherto untapped reserves of courage. A steadfast ally shows Ellie the possibility of love, in the future.