Follows two young men who first meet at a training centre for dealing with an atomic bomb threat. A sense of deep sadness pervades throughout - the novel spans several decades but each segment feels tinged with melancholic nostalgia. It isn't depressing as such, just vaguely sad.
I enjoyed the character development with time as each man pursues a different path. The chapters that are set in the 1950s and 1960s were my favourite sections, perhaps because later years felt almost a bit too close to home and reality.
The family dynamics and frustrations are described very well, with the different marriages and connections perfectly done.
The ending is something of an anti climax but felt very realistic. My only complaint is that I found it a bit too long, but for "modern"" historical fiction lovers I'd definitely recommend the novel.
I enjoyed the character development with time as each man pursues a different path. The chapters that are set in the 1950s and 1960s were my favourite sections, perhaps because later years felt almost a bit too close to home and reality.
The family dynamics and frustrations are described very well, with the different marriages and connections perfectly done.
The ending is something of an anti climax but felt very realistic. My only complaint is that I found it a bit too long, but for "modern"" historical fiction lovers I'd definitely recommend the novel.