Based on Elizabeth Laird's own childhood growing up in post-war Britain, The Misunderstandings of Charity Brown is a warm, witty and beautiful coming-of-age story.

Inspired by award-winning author Elizabeth Laird's own childhood growing up in post-war London, The Misunderstandings of Charity Brown is a classic coming-of-age story, perfect for fans of The Skylarks' War and I Capture the Castle.

Charity Brown’s life is about to change – her family have been left a huge, rambling house by a mysterious benefactor, and her parents want to move in and throw open its doors to the needy.

Only recently back from hospital after months of isolation with polio, Charity is over-protected and lonely as the only child still at home. Her family are very religious – her sisters are called Faith and Hope, and her brother Ted is studying to be a preacher – so she's both excited and nervous at the thought of sharing her family and new home with strangers.

It’s a recipe for confusion, joy and endless misunderstandings, including with the new neighbours, an Austrian family with a daughter just Charity’s age . . .

"a total pleasure, written with affection as well as art and never for a moment outstaying its welcome. Now something of a veteran children’s author herself, Elizabeth Laird has once again come up with something truly rather special." - Books for Keeps

"Enthrallingly told, it is a coming-of-age story about discovering your own values and making your own choices." - Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week