A RETIRED grandmother has achieved a lifelong ambition by publishing a novel about the Coventry Blitz.
Amanda Perry, 65, who uses the name Malben in her work, penned ‘Running from the Sky’ after being inspired by her grandchildren.
The novel is aimed at children aged 11 to 14 and it interlinks the events of the Coventry Blitz in 1941 with the modern-day Syrian War.
Amanda describes an inter-generational tale of peace and reconciliation and engagement with little-understood cultures.
The story focuses on a young Syrian boy called Sami who arrives in Coventry with his family as a refugee.
Finding it hard to adjust to his new life, his mum arranges for him to spend time with Harry Adams, a curmudgeonly resident at the care home she works at.
Harry introduces Sami to the story of Splen and his dog Bobby, who lived through the Coventry Blitz.
An unlikely friendship develops – which proves healing for both characters.
Amanda said: “I chose the Coventry Blitz because it was one of the most extraordinary events of World War II.
“As part of my research, I read lots of books that gave first-person accounts of that night, and I also visited the Coventry Cathedral Blitz Experience.”
Amanda, who studied acting at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, is embracing her new role as an author, and it’s one of many she’s taken on in her life.
She says: “Over the years I’ve worked as a fabric designer, chef and a teacher for adults with learning difficulties, among many other jobs. I think my training as an actor gave me a huge ability to take on new roles and reinvent myself.”
Amanda is now busy promoting Running From the Sky, and she will give talks to schools, libraries and other educational establishments on topics relating to her book.
