Written during the 'noisy, bomb-filled winter' of 1940, Margery Allingham's 'The Oaken Heart' records the events and emotions of the Essex village of Tolleshunt D'Arcy during the war. This illustrated edition of features previously unpublished diaries, letters and photos.

13-year-old Donny and his disabled mother have arrived on the Shotley peninsula in Suffolk hoping to meet a mysterious great aunt. Instead, they fall foul of two grotesque and strangely hostile representatives of the care system, but Donny soon finds solace in his talent for sailing.