This is a follow on to Blasted Things rather than a sequel. We meet Clem, the central character in that book, twenty five or so years later on in the aftermath of the Second World War. She is mourning the loss of her son Edgar.
Her daughter, Aida, is living in London and not coping well with the news of her brother Edgar's death in a POW camp in the far east. She's taking comfort in the form of men.
Starling is an ex-soldier, who was imprisoned with Edgar and was in love with him. Before Edgar died, he asked Starling to take something home to his family.
When he finally plucks up the nerve to meet Edgar's family he is mistaken for another man. He fails to correct Clem and the mistake soon turns into a lie which spirals from his control.
When he meets Aida, their shared longing for Edgar leads to consequences that will shape both their lives forever.
More than just a romance, as advertised on the front cover, this is an exploration of damaged lives. The sections told from Starling's viewpoint present a heartbreaking picture of what bit was like to be gay in the post-war years.
As the book moves towards its conclusion, I had no idea how this could all end happily for any of the characters. Whether it does or not, I will leave for you readers to find out, suffice to say I think it was probably the most satisfying end that it could have had.
This is well up to Glaister's usual standards. Which means it's excellent. The characters are all totally convincing and sympathetic. It's an very easy read, even as it explores deeper issues around women's rights, the hypocrisy around female sexuality and of course, gay rights.
I raced through this book in one day (I had a lot of spare time). It's one of my highlights of the year so far, certainly one of the more moving novels I've read so far.
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