What makes us the people we are? Pape's novel spans several decades including the events of the Second World War, post war life and the social change of the 1960s. It tells the story of Alex, the outgoing student, disillusioned at Dunkirk, and his love for the tragic heroine Helene, from which he never recovers. His friendship with Duncan, who can never really love, and Ruby who loves him. Fred who is traumatised by the war in Burma, and finds hope with Ivy. Finally, Bob and Joan, desperate to escape colliery life and embrace all that the sixties had to offer, ambition and the chance of a better life. The novel starts on the eve of the millennium, explores the complexities of the relationship of the characters and culminates with revelations of how a singular act dramatically changes the course of life. It is a portrait of twentieth century life, of hopes, dreams, disillusionment and acceptance.
