The iron necklace - Giles Waterfield

The Iron Necklace" by Giles Waterfield is a historical novel set in the aftermath of World War I, focusing on the intertwined lives of a family and the emotional consequences of war. The novel is a deep exploration of love, loss, and the burden of history.

The story revolves around Charles and Susan, who live in a large house in England. The war has left its marks on their marriage, their family, and their future. Charles, who had once been a soldier, is struggling with the psychological scars of the conflict. Meanwhile, Susan finds herself in a difficult position, trying to balance her own desires with the responsibilities placed upon her as a wife and mother.

The "Iron Necklace" of the title is a metaphor for the heavy, often oppressive, ties of duty and expectation that bind the characters, particularly in the aftermath of the war. Throughout the novel, the characters deal with the trauma of their experiences and the challenging decisions they must make to heal and move forward in a changing world.