Set against the backdrop of a captivating yet eerie pub, the story unfolds through the eyes of Brooke, a child narrator. This autobiographical fiction explores themes of curiosity and the allure of the unknown, drawing readers into a world where imagination and reality intertwine. The narrative delves into the complexities of childhood experiences, making it a unique and enchanting read.
Reynard Langrish’s tranquil existence is disrupted by the arrival of Captain Archer, a young soldier, during a stormy night. Archer leads Langrish to an ancient hill fort where a group of men, marked by a peculiar tattoo of entwined snakes around a sword, are preparing to confront an unidentified threat known as 'the Emergency.' This unexpected encounter thrusts Langrish into a world of intrigue and danger, challenging his previously predictable life.
The story explores the complex relationship between two brothers: Nigel, who feels inadequate and overshadowed by his successful, hyper-masculine sibling Geoffrey. Nigel's feelings oscillate between admiration and resentment, highlighting themes of sibling rivalry and identity. As he grapples with his own perceived shortcomings, the narrative delves into the emotional turmoil of loving and hating a family member simultaneously, revealing the intricacies of familial bonds and self-acceptance.
The story unfolds as Duncan Cameron, after his mother's death, is sent to live with his Uncle Gerald on a secluded Kent farm. Immersed in a tense and hyper-masculine environment, Duncan navigates the complexities of adolescence against the backdrop of an England on the verge of World War II. The narrative weaves together themes of psychological suspense and eroticism, exploring the boy's coming-of-age journey in a dark and charged landscape.
The Military Orchid, A Mine of Serpents, The Goose Cathedral
Set against the backdrop of two World Wars, this lyrical narrative intertwines fiction and autobiography, chronicling a young boy's formative years on the Kentish coast. The story captures his experiences growing up during the First World War, transitioning into his enlistment and frontline service in the Second World War. Through its disarming prose, the book offers a poignant exploration of childhood, loss, and the impact of war on personal identity.
The brilliantly comic tale of obsession with one flower.