Storm Sparrows

How does a family dig itself out of despair and destitution? In the case of the Chester Family, it is through a woman named Lili.

Maggie had few expectations from life. Her father and brother were lost to war, leaving her in crushing poverty in Londons East End with her dominating mother, Rose. WW1 ends. Frank Chester, a handsome Cockney, sweeps pretty Maggie off her feet, and they marry with dreams of a bright future. Soon, paucity and Roses relentless interference turns hope to despair and Maggie stands alone against Franks violent outbursts and infidelity.

WW2 breaks out. London is in ruins. Frank helps free beauty Lili Stewart from rubble where her wealthy husband and father lay lifeless beside her. He is captivated, and pursues her. Mourning the loss of her loved ones and acutely aware of her physical scars, Lili resists, but Frank is persistent and wins her heart. He moves in with her, abandoning Maggie and their six children without culpability.

The children are traumatized when Maggie dies of cancer and Frank and Lili take them in, leaving Rose filled with hatred. The children and Frank feel no connection and anxiety deepens. Lili witnesses Franks rage for the first time; she becomes the childrens champion, and gives Frank an ultimatum. Fearful of losing her, he takes the first tenuous step towards redemption. Confronted by the adult children, he shares his own torment and undergoes a catharsis, but the journey is plagued with challenge and tragedy. The family finally leave the past behind, and move forward to love and salvation.