Small Island

Hortense, born illegitimately but intelligent and ambitious, is raised by the charismatic and free-thinking Michael on Jamaica, who joins the RAF when war breaks out and goes to England. After the war, Hortense becomes a qualified teacher and marries Gilbert Joseph, paying for his passage on condition he sends her back. She hopes to reunite with Michael and believes living in Britain will give her more opportunities. When she arrives in London in 1948, she is disheartened by the cramped accommodation and color prejudice. Queenie, their liberal landlady, also deals with disappointment by marrying Bernard, who had sex with her after being presumed missing during the war.