Arandora Star

It is 1940. Lily has just left her abusive husband, Albert, and finds comfort in the town's Italian cafe. The cafe owner's son, Antonio, a widower with a young son, and Lily soon fall in love.

But their happiness is overshadowed by the spectre of Albert who is intent on destroying both of their lives. Albert falsifies information and incriminates Antonio, who is arrested and interned in various makeshift camps.

Unbeknownst to Antonio's mother, and Lily, he is put on the Arandora Star, a vast cruise ship hastily refitted for war, with other innocent Italian men, German, Austrian and Jewish internees, which is to take them to Canada.

A heartbreaking and remarkable story that is both moving and unbearably riveting.

Follow Natalie Dye on Twitter: @NatDTam Or visit her website: nataliedye.co.uk"