A Family's Burden

The Westaway family is reeling from the sudden death of Tom, the father, who fell from a tram. Jean, the mother, is determined to keep her family afloat, insisting her sons, Kip and Francis, stay in school despite their financial struggles. Connie, the eldest daughter, sacrifices her dreams of art school to help at home. The family takes in a boarder to make ends meet, and Jean finds work as a housemaid. The weight of responsibility falls heavily on the children, especially Kip, who feels the pressure to support his family.

Secrets and Sacrifices

Connie Westaway, the eldest daughter, harbors a secret love for Jack Husting, a neighbor who is about to leave for war. Despite the societal expectations and her mother's hopes for a respectable match, Connie's heart belongs to Jack. They share a passionate night before he departs, leaving Connie with a secret that could change her life. As Jack leaves, Connie is left to navigate her feelings and the consequences of their night together.

Love and Loss

Jack Husting, a young man from the neighborhood, enlists to fight in the war, leaving behind a grieving family and a heartbroken Connie. The community gathers at the train station to see the soldiers off, and Connie shares a final, poignant kiss with Jack. As the train pulls away, Connie is left with the memory of their love and the uncertainty of his return. The war looms over the neighborhood, affecting everyone in its path.

A Mother's Dilemma

Jean Westaway discovers Connie's pregnancy and is faced with a difficult decision. She takes Connie to a discreet dressmaker who performs abortions, hoping to preserve her daughter's future and the family's reputation. Connie is torn between her love for Jack and the reality of her situation. Jean's actions are driven by a desire to protect her daughter from the harsh judgments of society, but the decision weighs heavily on both women.

The Weight of Choices

Francis, the middle child, is drawn into a gang of local boys who engage in petty theft. He is eager to prove himself and escape the shadow of his father's death. However, his involvement leads to trouble, and he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions. Francis's journey highlights the pressures of growing up and the desire to find one's place in the world amidst chaos and loss.

A Brother's Guilt

Kip, the youngest Westaway, feels the weight of his family's expectations. He struggles with the guilt of not being able to support his family as he wishes. Kip's relationship with his siblings is strained as they each cope with their father's death in their own ways. His journey is one of self-discovery and understanding the true meaning of family and sacrifice.

The Past Unveiled

Decades later, Alec, a descendant of the Westaways, uncovers a photograph hidden in a biscuit tin. The image reveals a long-buried family secret involving Connie and Jack. As Alec learns more about his family's past, he gains a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and choices that shaped their lives. The photograph serves as a bridge between generations, connecting Alec to his ancestors' struggles and triumphs.

Generations Intertwined

The Westaway family legacy is revealed through the stories of its members, each grappling with their own challenges. The narrative weaves together the past and present, showing how the choices of one generation affect the next. The family's legacy is one of resilience and love, despite the hardships they face. Alec's journey to uncover his family's past brings him closer to understanding his own identity.

A Moment of Clarity

Alec's exploration of his family's history leads to a moment of clarity about the importance of family and the connections that bind them. He learns that love and sacrifice are at the heart of the Westaway legacy. As he embraces his family's past, Alec finds peace in the knowledge that he is part of something greater than himself. The story concludes with a sense of hope and continuity, as the Westaway family endures through the generations.

Characters

Connie Westaway

Connie is the eldest Westaway sibling, caught between her love for Jack Husting and the expectations of her family. Her secret affair with Jack leads to an unplanned pregnancy, forcing her to make difficult choices. Connie's journey is one of self-discovery and resilience as she navigates the challenges of love and societal pressure.

Jack Husting

Jack is a young man from the neighborhood who enlists to fight in the war. He shares a deep connection with Connie, but his duty to his country pulls him away. Jack's departure leaves a void in Connie's life, and his fate remains uncertain as the war rages on.

Jean Westaway

Jean is the matriarch of the Westaway family, determined to keep her family together after her husband's death. She makes difficult decisions to protect her children, including arranging for Connie's abortion. Jean's actions are motivated by love and a desire to shield her family from societal judgment.

Kip Westaway

Kip is the youngest Westaway sibling, struggling to fulfill his family's expectations. He feels the weight of responsibility and guilt for not being able to support his family as he wishes. Kip's journey is one of self-discovery and understanding the true meaning of family and sacrifice.

Francis Westaway

Francis is the middle Westaway child, eager to prove himself and escape the shadow of his father's death. He becomes involved with a local gang, leading to trouble and a confrontation with the consequences of his actions. Francis's journey highlights the pressures of growing up and finding one's place in the world.

Alec Westaway

Alec is a modern-day descendant of the Westaways, who discovers a photograph that reveals a long-buried family secret. His journey to uncover his family's past brings him closer to understanding his own identity and the sacrifices of previous generations.

Annabel Crouch

Annabel is a friend of the Westaway family, navigating the challenges of love and societal pressure. Her interactions with the Westaways highlight the complexities of relationships and the impact of societal norms on personal choices.

Mr. Ward

Mr. Ward is Connie's boss at the Argus, who represents the societal expectations placed on women. His presence in Connie's life is a reminder of the pressures she faces to conform to societal norms and the choices she must make for her future.

Ada Husting

Ada is Jack's mother, who struggles with the loss of her son to the war. Her grief is a reflection of the broader impact of war on families and communities, highlighting the sacrifices made by those left behind.

The Stranger

The stranger who helps Connie at the train station represents the fleeting connections and moments of kindness that can have a lasting impact. His presence in the story underscores the theme of interconnectedness and the importance of human connection.

Plot Devices

Interwoven Narratives

The novel uses interwoven narratives to connect the past and present, revealing the impact of one generation's choices on the next. This structure allows readers to see the continuity of the Westaway family's struggles and triumphs, highlighting the enduring nature of love and sacrifice.

Symbolic Photograph

The photograph discovered by Alec serves as a symbolic link to the Westaway family's history. It reveals a long-buried secret and connects Alec to his ancestors' struggles and triumphs. The photograph is a tangible representation of the family's legacy and the connections that bind them.

Societal Expectations

The novel explores the impact of societal expectations on individual choices, particularly for women. Characters like Connie and Jean navigate the pressures to conform to societal norms, highlighting the challenges of balancing personal desires with societal expectations.

War and Its Impact

The war serves as a backdrop for the novel, affecting the lives of the characters and shaping their choices. The impact of war on families and communities is a central theme, highlighting the sacrifices made by those who serve and those left behind.

Family Legacy

The novel explores the concept of family legacy and the weight of history on individual choices. The Westaway family's history is revealed through the stories of its members, showing how the past shapes the present and future.

Analysis

"Nine Days" by Toni Jordan delves into the intricate dynamics of family relationships and the societal pressures that shape individual choices. Through the interwoven narratives of the Westaway family, the novel highlights the enduring nature of love and sacrifice across generations. The characters grapple with the weight of history and the impact of societal norms, particularly on women, as they navigate their personal desires and responsibilities. The symbolic photograph serves as a tangible link to the family's past, connecting the present to the struggles and triumphs of previous generations. The novel's exploration of war and its impact on families underscores the sacrifices made by those who serve and those left behind. Ultimately, "Nine Days" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of family, the power of love, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Last updated: March 22, 2025