Izzys War

The Battle That Began at Home

Izzy’s War follows Izzy Caldwell, a vivacious Glasgow schoolteacher whose life is upended when a routine check-up reveals an inoperable brain tumour. In the blink of an eye, her warm household—filled with laughter, the scent of freshly baked scones, and the chatter of her teenage daughter, Lucy—shifts into a frontline of uncertainty. Izzy, determined to shield her family from despair, declares herself a warrior. With equal parts humour and courage, she arms herself with medical files and a fiercely written bucket list, vowing to reclaim as many moments of joy as illness threatens to steal.

Allies in Unexpected Places

As Izzy navigates chemotherapy suites and sleepless nights, she discovers that no battle is won alone. Lucy, grappling with adolescent rebellion, finds depth in her mother’s vulnerability, forging a bond that survives every tearful confession and midnight drive through rain-slicked streets. Alan, Izzy’s longtime partner, swaps his corporate attire for scrubs, learning to administer drugs and bandage head wounds with awkward tenderness. Even Mrs. MacGregor, the retired neighbour who once grumbled about garden trespassers, becomes a vital source of home-made soup and stubborn optimism. Together, this ragtag army of family and friends transforms hospital corridors into trenches of hope, where every small victory—a stable MRI, a good hair day—feels like a triumphant advance.

Redefining Victory and Legacy

In the novel’s stirring finale, Izzy hosts a “Victory Party” in her garden, complete with fairy lights, ceilidh music, and a heartfelt toast to battles fought and friendships sealed. Though the future remains unwritten and the tumour’s shadow lingers, Izzy’s war is already won in the laughter that rings among the hedges and the quiet moments of grace that illness can never erase. Through her indomitable spirit, readers learn that true victory lies not in the final outcome, but in the fierce love, unwavering humour, and unbreakable bonds forged in life’s greatest trials.

. Isla Dewar was a bestselling Scottish novelist celebrated for her heartfelt, witty portrayals of family life and the quiet heroism found in everyday people. Her stories continue to inspire readers with their warmth, resilience, and humour.