The Chestnut Tree – Charlotte Bingham

Description

The Chestnut Tree by Charlotte Bingham is a historical fiction novel set in the summer of 1939 in the quiet Sussex fishing village of Bexham. As war looms over Europe, four young women—Judy Melton, Meggie Gore-Stewart, Mathilda Eastcott, and Corrie Hogarth—are determined to break free from traditional female roles and actively contribute to the war effort. However, societal expectations prove difficult to challenge, and their journeys become ones of resilience, self-discovery, and sacrifice.

As the war progresses, not only do these women carve out new paths for themselves, but so do their mothers, reshaping the close-knit fabric of their village. Yet, when the men return, the hard-won independence of the women is challenged, forcing them to reconcile their newfound strength with the roles they are expected to resume. The chestnut tree, planted by Corrie, stands as a lasting symbol of change, endurance, and the quiet power of those who fought battles both on and off the field. This beautifully written novel will appeal to fans of wartime sagas, stories of female resilience, and richly detailed historical fiction.