Author: | Rosalind Minett | ISBN: | 1230003222881 |
Publisher: | Uptake publications | Publication: | October 11, 2018 |
Imprint: | Language: | English |
Author: | Rosalind Minett |
ISBN: | 1230003222881 |
Publisher: | Uptake publications |
Publication: | October 11, 2018 |
Imprint: | |
Language: | English |
Two cousins meet in 1937 as WWII hovers on the horizon. “This well-executed emotional drama” (Historical Novel Society), explores a fateful relationship between two boy cousins. This is played out in the context of wartime London, evacuation and post-war austerity. Smaller but older, devious cousin Kenneth envies Billy's superior strength and home comforts and sets out to threaten both. The desire for power and territory in Europe is mirrored in micro in the Wilson home as the parents turn a blind eye to Kenneth´s manipulations and the boys share psychological space. Beleaguered Billy’s secret symbol of power, a Cossack sabre, has its own dramatic story. The boys must survive war-time anxiety, separation, evacuation, physical hardship and loss as they develop their different talents. Kenneth’s invasion of Bill’s territory is relentless and by 1951 their rivalry has reached a climax. After a terrible incident they must manage the dramatic outcome. The drama affects everyone around them. Can Billy resolve the traumatic fall-out or will Kenneth always be a threat? How long can retribution last?
Two cousins meet in 1937 as WWII hovers on the horizon. “This well-executed emotional drama” (Historical Novel Society), explores a fateful relationship between two boy cousins. This is played out in the context of wartime London, evacuation and post-war austerity. Smaller but older, devious cousin Kenneth envies Billy's superior strength and home comforts and sets out to threaten both. The desire for power and territory in Europe is mirrored in micro in the Wilson home as the parents turn a blind eye to Kenneth´s manipulations and the boys share psychological space. Beleaguered Billy’s secret symbol of power, a Cossack sabre, has its own dramatic story. The boys must survive war-time anxiety, separation, evacuation, physical hardship and loss as they develop their different talents. Kenneth’s invasion of Bill’s territory is relentless and by 1951 their rivalry has reached a climax. After a terrible incident they must manage the dramatic outcome. The drama affects everyone around them. Can Billy resolve the traumatic fall-out or will Kenneth always be a threat? How long can retribution last?