The Winds of Heaven

Monica Dickens was the great grand-daughter of Charles Dickens. I have read a number of her books and, this week, I re-read The Winds of Heaven. I have not read this book for many years and enjoyed it more this time than last perhaps because I relate to it more now than when I read it before.

Louise Bickford is the widow of Dudley. Dudley was an aspirational Londoner of the post-war period, who found it hard to accept the limitations of his earnings. When he died his wife Louise was left with debt and lost the family home. Louise's life is spent between four "homes", her three daughters', each of whom is busy with her own life and her winter home with her friend Sybil.

Louise tries to fit into each home, attempting not to impose on any of the three different daughters, living on her tiny income and trying to help each grown daughter to realise her own happiness. Louise is something of a free spirit in middle age, she is energetic, willing to work, optimistic but very aware of being beholden. She wants the best for each of her daughters and sons-in-law, her grandchildren and the people with whom she interacts.

She accepts her fate relatively cheerfully, she is non-judgemental but wishes for a place to call home. Louise's search through family leads her to a greater understanding of who she is.