Distant Dreams

About the Book

Twenty three year old Maurice Thomas is finally leaving his beloved homeland to embark upon an exciting new future in the promised land, where he hopes to achieve his ambition of becoming an architect after post World War Britain makes a plea to its Commonwealth citizens to come to the motherland's assistance to help rebuild war torn Britain. During the transatlantic voyage, Maurice meets and befriends three fellow travellers and they become lifelong friends. The four immigrants share their ambitions, rejoice in their successes and learn from their challenges in this unique story. Will their decision to leave their homeland prove fruitful? Will the promised land deliver all that they hope? Indeed will mother welcome and love her children? The promised land whilst undoubtedly offering some hidden treasures, exposes unexpected obstacles which the four friends had not anticipated. Will they overcome or capitulate? The story is a journey of suspense and intrigue whilst at the same time presenting an historical account of how life was for the early West Indian immigrants and highlighting the invaluable contributions which they made to Britain's post war development. The story nonetheless portrays the sobering reality that although the four friends are all on one journey, they each reach four completely different destinations.

About the Author

The author was born and raised in East London, a short distance from many of the places referred to in the book. Claudia was led to write this book after years of listening to her father’s intriguing stories about his past experiences and witnessing his interaction with family members and friends. She was fascinated by these stories yet felt concerned that the arrival, often ill treatment as well as triumphs of West Indian immigrants just after the Second World War is a part of British history which isn’t taught in British schools and once that generation of pioneers eventually die, that part of history will die with them. Thus, it was with that thought in mind that she decided to retell in part her own father’s history. Claudia’s loves include reading, writing stories and plays as we as performing in small drama productions. Yet despite this, she decided to qualify as a solicitor. She is married with one child and lives in Romford, Essex.