living in the city with his wife. He is distant, practical, and uncommunicative. James rarely visits his mother due to unresolved family tensions but sends Lily to stay with her during the summer holidays. His relationship with his mother remains strained, reflecting deeper issues within the family dynamics.
living in a small town. She is secretive, resilient, and enigmatic. Margaret has a complex past involving love and loss during World War II. Her experiences are revealed through her journal, which Lily discovers by chance. Her story intertwines with Lily's as they both grapple with personal struggles and the weight of family history.
introspective, and determined. Lily discovers her grandmother's hidden journal and becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about her past. She feels disconnected from her family's history and struggles with feelings of inadequacy. Her journey reveals unexpected secrets and challenges her perception of herself and her family.