Fran Caldwell

The Attic Fran Caldwell

Young Toronto graphic artist Strachan (pronounced 'Strawn' per the Gaelic) Marshall is a loner and could be considered something of a loser. Things change dramatically when she is compelled to check out an attic in an eerie, derelict building, and finds herself feverishly "transcribing" the journal of Celia, a young Englishwoman from decades earlier, who relates her experiences in war-torn Britain. Naturally, practical Strachan refuses to coin the word "ghost". The whole thing is an exciting adventure. When she produces a poignant memoir, which focuses on the apparently doomed affair between Celia, a Waaf (Women's Auxiliary Air Force), and Alex, an Raf serviceman, with detailed descriptions of the era which appear to be as accurate as if Strachan had lived through it herself, people are bound to have questions. Telling the truth would mark Strachan as psychotic, so she lies, saying she did a lot of research. She didn't. Only those closest to her know about The Attic.