An alcoholic close to death, Emma, a once beautiful woman with the promise of a bright future, lives the last few years of her life in a squalid basement room. In an attempt to banish loneliness, she takes comfort in recalling happier moments shared with loved ones, but is also forced to relive a series of disastrous relationships.This gripping family saga traces her story from childhood, life as a young woman in war-ravaged London, and a period of affluence and happiness filled with the desire of creating a family of her own. Her hopes are thwarted, and her marriage starts to fail. During this time, she forges a bond with a Scottish couple who bear the scars of a tragic past.Unable to cope with her disappointments, broken dreams, and a devastating revelation, inexorably she embarks on a spiral of self-destruction. Even the unwavering presence of the man who gave up everything for her cannot release her from the prison of her own making.

Geraldine Stevens was born and grew up in Essex but has lived most of her life abroad. Eager to see something of the world, at the age of eighteen she moved to Germany, where she took a degree at Hamburg University. She continued her career in teaching in Italy. A love of storytelling and a creative writing course spurred her to put pen to paper and write her first novel, A Tarnished Life. Geraldine has three grown-up sons and now lives in Sardinia with her Italian husband. She is an honorary member of Trinity College, London.

Customer Reviews

4.9

18 reviews

Rowena Dawsom

A Tarnished Life got me in from Chapter 1. I wanted to know why Emma was in the basement and who her captive was. I was actually frightened for her - the writing was so good. Geraldine Steven’s has a beautiful writing style. I especially liked her excellent descriptions of the landscapes and settings throughout the book. The novel explores many themes of everyday lives and the decisions that people make. An excellent read.
robert pittman

Geraldine Steven’s “A Tarnished Life” is is a thoroughly wonderful and affecting read read. I was moved by how intimately she dealt with human emotions, family , addiction, dementia, aging , each handled with sensitivity and care . It often felt she lived all these moments herself herself. I was particularly affected by the soldiers returning from the trenches of the First World War , some with missing limbs , all with invisible wounds. The line “their eyes pleading for acceptance not pity was particularly poignant. The novels shifting timelines timelines and perspectives are handled really well by the structuring of the chapters and the use of italics for emotional effect .For a first novel this is an extraordinary achievement, waiting for the second novel
Carmine

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "A Tarnished Life" in which the author explores the heart of human exprience and fragility. It is a compelling story that accompanies a family through the First and Second World Wars until the mid-nineteen eighties. The reader becomes caught up in events and is forced to witness how adversities and unfulfilled hopes lead Emma to give up on life and seek refuge in alcohol-induced oblivion, ignoring the devastating effect on those around her. An enthralling read.
Lorna

A splendid first novel bringing us snippets of English daily life, as we follow Emma through her ‘Tarnished Life’. While writing about the Coles’ family, the author imparts a wealth of information about historical events and geographical facts plus detailed descriptions of landscapes and characters. I couldn't put the book down and I’m really looking forward to a second novel from Geraldine Stevens. A truly captivating fiction which is beautifully written and very moving - an absolute must!
Veronica

Geraldine Stevens has written a novel that is difficult to put down, not only for its storyline but for the way it was written. The author's writing is fluid and engaging; each page seems to flow effortlessly into the next, even thanks to the short chapters. What I appreciated most, however, was the author’s sensitivity and care in dealing with difficult themes such as alcohol abuse, violence, and suffering. The characters are well-developed, their experiences raw and real, and their struggles deeply human. The narrative invites the reader to reflect on resilience, love, and the lasting impact of trauma. Overall, this book is not just an excellent read but also a powerful portrayal of the complexities within a family. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a meaningful and well-crafted story.
Dorothy

I found this book compulsively readable and Geraldine Stevens a powerful writer. There is humour, passion, history, happiness but also great sadness and tragedy in this wonderful family saga. The many characters spring to life and you feel an immediate bond with them. Although set during the war this book could well be a present day story. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Claudia

A Tarnished life is really engaging and provoques deep emotions in the reader. You find yourself immersed in it and you can't stop reading! The historic background to the story is made so vividly real. Geraldine Steven's style is witty, she uses expressions and sayings that lighten up the tension of the story and remind us of a world that is no longer there. I strongly recommend it.
Doris*****

This book is very exciting to read. It takes you back to the beginning of the last century and spans the arc until well after the Second World War. It gives a fantastic and exciting insight into the life of a family, their wishes, their hopes and of course their career. I enjoyed reading it. I would have liked a happy ending but unfortunately life doesn't play out like that.