Come to the Window: A Novel by Howard Norman

"Come to the Window" unfolds against the backdrop of 1918 Nova Scotia, amidst the grim realities of World War I and the devastating Spanish flu pandemic. In the small fishing village of Parrsboro, the already tense atmosphere is shattered when Elizabeth Frame commits a shocking act—murdering her husband on their wedding day and disposing of the weapon in a beached whale's blowhole.

The story is narrated through the diary entries of Toby Havenshaw, a crime reporter sent by the Halifax Evening Mail to cover Elizabeth's trial. Toby's perspective not only delves into the unfolding legal drama but also intricately weaves in the personal complexities of his own life. He reflects on his marriage to Amelia, a surgeon recently returned from the war's front lines in Europe. As Toby immerses himself in Elizabeth's case, he becomes intertwined with her journey as she flees from justice, accompanied by a court stenographer who harbors romantic feelings for her.

Amidst these tumultuous events, Amelia's involvement takes an unexpected turn when Elizabeth gives birth while evading capture. Amelia finds herself drawn into the unfolding drama, grappling with her own emotions and the moral dilemmas presented by Elizabeth's circumstances.

"Come to the Window" explores themes of love, redemption, and the search for hope in times of profound turmoil and loss. Against a backdrop of war, disease, and personal upheaval, the novel delves into the human capacity for resilience and the transformative power of empathy. It portrays a community grappling with moral questions and individuals navigating the complexities of their own desires and responsibilities. ❤️📚❤️