The Red Gene

“Traces the intergenerational legacies of the Spanish civil war through two groups of families . . . an enthralling novel with real historical heft.” —Judith Keene, author of Treason on the Airwaves

When Rose, a young English nurse with humanitarian ideals, decides to volunteer in the Spanish Civil War, she is little prepared for the experiences that await her.

Working on the front line and witness to the horrors of war, she falls in love with a Republican fighter. As defeat becomes inevitable, Rose is faced with a decision that will change her life and leave her with lasting scars.

Meanwhile we meet Consuelo, a girl growing up in a staunchly Catholic family on the other side of the ideological divide. When she discovers that she was adopted, her attempts to learn more about her origins come to a dead end.

But years later Consuelo’s daughter, Marisol, growing up in a rapidly changing Spain, decides to investigate the dark secrets of her family and find the answers that have until now eluded her mother . . .

What links Rose and Consuelo? Will Marisol uncover the truth?

Sometimes the truth lies in the darkest places.

“A wonderful book. It is so evocative of 1930s Britain and the generation for whom Spain was a huge issue . . . I really enjoyed reading it, with so many of the characters so brilliantly realised.” —Jeremy Corbyn, former leader of the Labour Party

“The big themes of history are brought alive through the stories of a diverse cast of characters.” —John Simmons, author of Spanish Crossing