Nina, a Latvian woman, is one of countless ordinary people caught up in the tragedy of two world wars. As a child, during the first world war, and as a grown woman during the second world war she is forced by the violence and insanity around her to seek safety elsewhere, but, as she soon discovers, nowhere is safe. When, in 1944, with her life shattered and her family decimated, she dares contemplate the possibility of crossing the Baltic Sea to Sweden, she does not know whether or not she will ever see her homeland or her loved ones again. She does not even know if she will reach Sweden.

A true story spread over four countries: Latvia, Russia, Belarus and Sweden, The Space in Between highlights the catastrophe of war in the Baltic countries, especially Latvia, while relating the remarkable story of a woman who, though surrounded on all sides by violence, is able to find the strength to continue when many others would have given up.

PURCHASE The Space in Between

The Space in Between is available for purchase from AoE Publishing as well as most online book shops, or it can be purchased from Gosford Regional Art Gallery, Central Coast of NSW. Copies are also available from Kariong Post Office. You are welcome to contact me if none of these options work for you.

There is a space in between the beginning and the end, between joy and loss, between light and dark...

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‘... it is a story that needs to be told about Latvia's moment in history's narrative. It is a history that cries out to be explored since I am sure, like me, there are many out there who are completely unaware of the suffering and abuse visited upon that country and its inhabitants as it became the object of desire for both Russia and Germany and a victim of the politics of the times.

Nina valiantly attempts to survive even as everyone she loves succumbs to the forces of life and evil that surround her. The book is a testimony to her strength of character and courage in the face of trauma and heartbreak, none of which are under her control. As we learn of Nina's life, the history and background of Latvia is detailed well in the book, and it is a compelling narration which brings the country to life. It is a story about upheaval and migration, and its effect on family, a story that is about the tragedy that is caused by conflicts and war, politics and the desire for power...’ Gail



‘What an amazing story and so beautifully told. A story that is no doubt true for countless others in the past as well as right now. Here's a few of my favourite quotes:

‘... It was February, and the strange half-light of winter sliding into spring was filling the window-space.’ P.75

‘... The days strung themselves into long knotted strings, and the strings tied themselves around so many hastily made decisions and, finally, around the goodbyes wrapped in promises to write.’ P.76

‘... After all the years of chaos, he feel that he was finally in control. But such feelings are sometimes no more substantial than white foam clinging to the sand at high tide.’ P. 127

‘... Then, as if the earth had decided that there was a point to life after all, the wind dropped, and later in the morning, the sun came out.’ P.210

‘... It was morning, but the darkness had not yet let go.’ P.355

L.C