Interpreter, The

- Blurb -

Madeleine Greenwood is a new persona that Magda Zielinska morphs into after her traumatic experience and her escape from her home town, Krakow. She finds solace in Leicester, in the welcoming home of her elderly relatives, Bronek and Aniela.With single-minded zeal, Madeleine tackles any job available to supplement her studies. Her goal is to succeed on her own merit. She trusts no one (apart from Bronek and Aniela). Any romantic involvement would undermine guarding the secret of her past.She qualifies as an interpreter. Her excellent skills are in constant demand. She juggles working hours with bringing up her six-year-old daughter, Emily.One day she comes face to face with James, the mysterious man who had left an indelible imprint on her memory when she had glimpsed him by chance, heart-wrenchingly distraught, all those years ago.As their acquaintance develops, Madeleine wonders about his past, fearing his rejection if he were to discover the truth about hers. Madeleine travels to Poland to her friend's wedding. When visiting her mother's grave with Emily she is confronted by Zden, her aunt's husband who had raped her seven years before. Zden wants to know if Emily is his daughter.Back at home, Madeleine intends to tell James everything. Meanwhile, Zden follows them to Leicester and spies on Bronek and Aniela on their allotment, while they child-mind Emily.A freak gale blows down an old oak tree that demolishes the screening wall from behind which Zden had been spying. He is crushed to death.In the aftermath of the accident, Madeleine and James speak openly of their past. He had suffered too - a double loss when his fiancee left him and aborted their child.With the painful memories laid to rest, Madeleine and James can begin to look forward to a happier future.