The Flame of Life

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Set in 1960s England, this narrative explores the struggles of the Handley family commune, which has taken residence in the home of affluent Myra Bassingfield. Painter Albert Handley juggles a tumultuous life filled with art, relationships, and the challenges posed by his seven children. Among them, Cuthbert faces expulsion from theological college, Mandy grapples with an unexpected pregnancy by her unstable husband, and younger sons Richard and Adam delve into army manuals for revolutionary inspiration. Complicating matters, Myra’s lover, Frank Dawley, returns from Algeria with his wife and children, further straining communal living. As the dynamics of cohabitation unfold, tensions rise, especially with the arrival of a young Spanish anarchist harboring violent intentions and carrying notebooks that could implicate Frank in a past transgression. The community's stability hangs in the balance, prompting a critical examination of revolutionary ideals and the essence of authenticity. The narrative questions whether the spirit of life can endure when the guiding flame seems extinguished. This ebook includes an illustrated biography of the author, featuring rare images from his estate.