Jan Casey

With the publication of my fifth novel, I think it would be fair to say that the chance mention of an event that happened during World War 2 - the rebuilding of Waterloo Bridge by women – was the catalyst that led to me becoming an author of novels set in that era. As well as learning so much about the courage, adaptability, and resilience displayed by women and men during the war, I have also come to understand that the experiences people had during that time in terms of the human condition are still being experienced now in other times and places. The details may differ but human beings, and the ways in which they react, don’t change. It's a wonderful opportunity to explore universal emotions, ambitions, love, loss, parenting and a whole list of other life events. My novels explore the many ways in which ordinary people are affected by extraordinary events and how they cope during times of adversity. I'm also interested in highlighting the similarities, as opposed to the differences, between people and the way that shared experiences and emotions bind them together.

I was born in London but spent my childhood in Southern California where a love of books and literature was instilled in me by bookworm parents and regular trips to the library. For many years, I was a teacher of English and Drama and I worked, until recently, as a Learning Supervisor at a college of further education.

Now that my lifelong dream of becoming a published author has come true, I spend my time writing, reading, swimming, walking, cooking, practising yoga and enjoying my grandchildren.

You can find me on X or on Facebook.