It is post war Britain. Rationing is still in effect and life still hasn't fully returned to normal for some families as they adjust to life without some of their nearest and dearest. It is the 1950's. There is a lot to contend with, the Cuban missile crisis, factory strikes, and the IRA reigning terror on the streets. Yet two friends meet up again after their national service. Carter and Drummond are the two main characters. Really they are nothing alike, Carter can throw himself into any situation whilst Drummond is quiet and quite happy to hide himself in the background. Carter is wealthy and a land owner whilst Drummond works in a car factory. The author lets us follow their lives through their families, from broken relationships to extra marital affairs to settling down with children in a very different time than they grew up in. It is an unusual book in some ways but nontheless an enjoyable read