This is not a quick read but it is an immersive and well drawn depiction of two families during the second half of of the twentieth century and into the twenty first . The book is divided into sections, each section corresponding to a year when there was a memorable historical event or situation . The years of the Cold War and threat of nuclear war have a long term effect on both families .
The narrative starts with a brief look into the present timeline and then goes back to the 1950’s when a friendship is forged between two men who are participating in National Service . It is an unusual and somewhat manipulative friendship. The story continues to include the families of both men and their interaction over the years . Not all the characters are likeable and all are flawed. To me, this made them all the more believable.
The ending of the story was a little too neat for my liking, but to be honest I was so engrossed in the lives of these people that I was in no hurry to reach the end anyway . Five stars all the way.
The narrative starts with a brief look into the present timeline and then goes back to the 1950’s when a friendship is forged between two men who are participating in National Service . It is an unusual and somewhat manipulative friendship. The story continues to include the families of both men and their interaction over the years . Not all the characters are likeable and all are flawed. To me, this made them all the more believable.
The ending of the story was a little too neat for my liking, but to be honest I was so engrossed in the lives of these people that I was in no hurry to reach the end anyway . Five stars all the way.