Britain. I really loved this story and look forward to reading more from this author. Every Step Of The Way is an amazing story, it transports you back into the 1950's with ease and a realism that is at times quite harsh. From the thick, pea-soup fog, to the way young women had to fight to retain their own identity; it's a piece of social history in the telling. Your heart will go out to Beth as she struggles to hold things together, the victim of a set of circumstances that are almost impossible to imagine. At times graphic, at times making you feel angry as you accompany her, you find yourself willing her on to fight those battles. It is easy to see why this story was shortlisted for the Harry Bowling prize! You turn the last page thinking `and what came next..' - I'm waiting for the sequel - there has to be one! A pleasure to read, it leaves a lasting impression... A richly evocative saga depicting a period of the twentieth century that few writers have attempted. Oher reviewers have outlined the story so I won't bother. All I can say that is that this is one author to watch for the future.