The Dykebreak Launched

Mary and DD have known each other ever since he first saw her as a baby at his father's funeral when he was six. The Dykebreak traces their lives as they grow up and though she develops a hunchback it does not affect their relationship. DD is a conscripted officer and in 1940 he finds himself fighting for his country as the Germans sweep into the Netherlands. Following the defeat they try to come to terms with being in an occupied country and find ways of resisting the Nazis. As the war progresses, this becomes an increasing dangerous occupation. After the failure of the Allies to break through at Arnhem, the severing of food and fuel supplies, plunges the still occupied north of the country into the 'Hunger Winter'. It requires desperate measures to survive.

The coming of peace alters their relationship drastically and following a successful operation they find happiness for a time. Unresolved problems cause this to slowly unravel leading to a stalemate and them parting. Ironically it is a further disaster which brings them together again, and resolves their problems, allowing them to start again.

The story, while not a sequel, features characters already met in 'Love and Hate', but this time following the lives of Mary and DD over a greater time span.