ELEANOR’S SECRET

Nicely researched novel nod to the WWII war painters who, in London, were rallied to concentrate on “cheerfulness”. It’s 1942 and art graduate Eleanor has been sent by the Ministry of Food to sign up artists to jolly London restaurants. But serious Jack Valante won’t play. He insists he is wanted on reconnaissance work, sketching vital clues on enemy lines. Cut to 2010 and granddaughter Kathryn, over from Australia, is asked by nonagenarian Eleanor to find the “J.V.” whose initials are in the corner of one of her prized canvases.