How does a family dig itself out of despair and destitution? In the case of the Chester family, it was through a woman named Lili.
Maggie had few expectations from life. Her father and brother were lost to war, leaving her in crushing poverty in London’s East End with her dominating mother, Rose. WWI ended. Frank Chester, a handsome Cockney, swept pretty Maggie off her feet, and they were married with dreams of a bright future. Soon, paucity and Roses relentless interference turned hope to despair, and Maggie stood alone against Franks violent outbursts and infidelity.
WWII broke out. London was in ruins. Frank helped free beautiful Lili Stewart from rubble where her wealthy husband and father lay lifeless beside her. He was captivated and pursued her. Mourning the loss of her loved ones and acutely aware of her physical scars, Lili resisted, but Frank was persistent and won her heart. He moved in with her, abandoning Maggie and their six children without culpability.
The children were traumatized when Maggie died of cancer, and Frank and Lili took them in, leaving Rose filled with hatred. The children and Frank felt no connection, and anxiety deepened. Lili witnessed Franks rage for the first time; she became the children’s champion and gave Frank an ultimatum. Fearful of losing her, he took the first tenuous step toward redemption. Confronted by the adult children, he shared his own torment and underwent a catharsis, but the journey was plagued with challenges and tragedies. The family finally left the past behind and moved forward to love and salvation.
