Five south London children are killed in a V2 attack. This is the story of the lives they might have lived, dropping in on them at intervals through to the present century. Scenes as diverse as a Margate Bank Holiday, the classroom, a family get together, fascist street violence, and a London bus, feature. Mental illness, marriage, and love of music are central experiences. London - whether shabby and suburban, gentrifying or absorbing immigrants - is a constantly evolving sixth character. Add in fine writing and you have a very good read.
(Tony Pratt - bwl 100 Spring 2017 ) |
