From author Deryn Collier comes a smart, charming postwar historical novel based on the true story of an aspiring writer who dares to dream big.Montreal, 1947. As the city emerges from war, many families find they are forever changed. Among those are the Grants, who tumble from high society when the family business goes bankrupt. The mansion is sold; the money disappears.To support her family, daughter June works in a steno pool in one of the city's top advertising firms. June rises through the ranks at the company, confronting barriers and confounding expectations. Her male superiors exploit her, and even June's own family holds her back. After all, June must start thinking about marriage, according to her mother.And as a dutiful Catholic child, June wants to make her family proud. But June has no interest in being a wife. Instead, she longs to become a writer. Now, she must make the choice to follow the norm--or follow her heart.Based on the true story of the author's aunt, A Real Somebody charts the journey of a young woman and talented writer who dares to break the conventions of her time.