This was a fascinating novel, starting in the late 1950s where Drummond meets the affluent and well educated Carter while on national service.
They forge an instant friendship although from diametrically opposed backgrounds and differing personalities.
Their lives move on and diverge and Carter meets Daphne and Drum meets Gwen.
Family, children, civilian life soon follow but there is always that kinship, that bond that although severely tested while on the Doom town military base amidst preparations for an atomic strike and Carter's wheeler dealer and philandering ways the two men seem co depenedent on the other.
Even down through the generations to their children there are intertwined and overlapping situations that change the family dynamic forever.
A multi layered and generational novel spanning nearly 70 years this is the story of two families, Drum's and Carter's.
At times reading like an exciting kitchen sink sort of "family drama" we see life changing and historical events unfold through the eyes of the characters.
The Cuban missile crisis, the Dagenham car factories, terrorism, foot and mouth and even cultural and social movements such as music from Skiffle to the race parties of the late 80s and early 90s.
A thought provoking and at times touching read of people thrown together through circumstances and ensuring what life throws at them.
A powerful story and a great read.
They forge an instant friendship although from diametrically opposed backgrounds and differing personalities.
Their lives move on and diverge and Carter meets Daphne and Drum meets Gwen.
Family, children, civilian life soon follow but there is always that kinship, that bond that although severely tested while on the Doom town military base amidst preparations for an atomic strike and Carter's wheeler dealer and philandering ways the two men seem co depenedent on the other.
Even down through the generations to their children there are intertwined and overlapping situations that change the family dynamic forever.
A multi layered and generational novel spanning nearly 70 years this is the story of two families, Drum's and Carter's.
At times reading like an exciting kitchen sink sort of "family drama" we see life changing and historical events unfold through the eyes of the characters.
The Cuban missile crisis, the Dagenham car factories, terrorism, foot and mouth and even cultural and social movements such as music from Skiffle to the race parties of the late 80s and early 90s.
A thought provoking and at times touching read of people thrown together through circumstances and ensuring what life throws at them.
A powerful story and a great read.