The Presence of Rachel Shaw

The story of this precocious child is set in a time of accepted values not as yet culturally challenged nor scorned even as this culture was crushed by the forces of World War II. All human frailty being contemporary, the story gathers up the Shaw family of upper middle class professionals, the Willoughbys of inherited wealth ensconced in their privilege and snobbery, and the blue collar Housemans of Canwood Avenues neighborhood of assorted ethnic groups. Through Rachels eyes, these families and their secrets are propelled through the changes War brought upon them.