Eleven-year-old Prudence Ashton is sent to live with her father in Jerusalem in 1920. Her mother's health, both mental and physical, is declining and Prue must leave England. Charles Ashton is an architect mapping out gardens and making improvements in the Holy City. His mission here is to modernize Jerusalem and bring it into the twentieth century. But Prue is not sure this is where she belongs; however, she has never been sure she belongs anywhere. Several interesting people intersect her life here and take an interest in her for various reasons; some to help her adjust to the move and some have subversive interests. There is growing unrest in Jerusalem to remove the British from the city. Is she really safe here?

Years later, Prudence is somewhat settled in the seaside village of Shoreham, England with her son Skip. Her life has been unusual, to say the least. She's estranged from her husband and working on the real love of her life, sculpting in marble and stone. But a friend from her time in Jerusalem pays her a visit, and the more stable world she's trying to carve out for herself and her son is turned upside down. Will her life ever be tranquil and harmonious? Will she ever have a real sense of belonging? Or will she forever find herself displaced?

THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S WIFE takes place between the two major wars. Suzanne Joinson begins this epic saga in 1920, during the aftermath of World War I, and ends it in 1942, in the midst of World War II. Ms. Joinson employees flashbacks and flash-forwards throughout the telling of the story to fill in the gaps, keep you guessing as to the outcome, and masterfully weave an intriguing plot that will keep you turning pages. Prudence is a very precocious character, surrounded by several fascinating supporting characters. It's a story about the trial and adventures of our lives defining us and making us who we are. It's not a story for the faint of heart. THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S WIFE is a story not to be missed!