The Misunderstandings of Charity Brown

Middle-grade coming-of-age story inspired by the author’s post-war childhood — praised for its warmth and historical insight

Charity Brown’s life changes when her family inherits a huge, rambling house from a mysterious benefactor. Recently back from hospital after months of isolation with polio, Charity is over-protected and feels alone — the only child still at home. As her parents move to open the house to strangers in need, Charity must navigate sharing her home with new people, including neighbours: an Austrian family with a daughter her age. The upheaval brings confusion, unexpected friendships, and a coming-of-age journey filled with misunderstandings, introspection, and hope.

“Elizabeth’s writing is beautifully accessible, her characters are vivid and authentic. I loved Charity's voice; as a reader I felt very close to her... as she grows and learns more about the world outside her religious family, it’s beautifully done.” — Julia Green

“A family story … funny, caring, warm, and unerringly in touch with the anguish of adolescence.” — Berlie Doherty