It is astonishing to think that 'conscription', in the form of National Service, brought in after the Second World War, only came to an end in 1963, when the last troops were 'demobbed'. Their service is often forgotten, but owe them a debt of gratitude alongside the 'regular' soldiers, airmen and sailors who actually applied for jobs in the forces of their own free will at that time. Many conscripts had to put careers on hold, had family lives disrupted, and found it hard to get work and reintegrate into civilian life after the upheaval of National Service.
This fast-moving story is set in 1963, and although it is a work of fiction, whilst some names have been changed, all the historical context and references are accurate, as far as can be reasonably established.
By 1963, in civilian life, the British people generally were able to put the effects of the Second World War behind them, and a great spirit of optimism emerged. Life was improving for ordinary people, as well as the more privileged, in all sorts of ways. It was the start of an exciting era in history.
We follow Richard 'Dicky' Bourne as he leaves the Army behind, but not the effects, friendships and attitudes the era of National Service typified. From watching the building of the Berlin Wall whilst still a soldier, to returning to live with his sister in sleepy suburbia, Dicky's life certainly changes. But before he can settle down and look for a job, he has to find out who the girl involved in the car crash is and engineer a way to meet her again. But she comes from a social class he could never hope to penetrate, and even in 1963, there are seemingly insurmountable barriers to overcome to launch his career.
With a wealth of characters from all sides of the social spectrum to meet and enjoy, and several apparently unconnected but ultimately uniquely intertwined plot lines, unravelled as the story reaches its conclusion, this tale is written in a lighthearted style. For background, it introduces, but does not dwell on, the historical context as the lives of the protagonists progress, and provides an entertaining and involving story.
There is social history, an insight into the changing but nevertheless ever-present class divide and a look at life in a very different, yet almost contemporary era, and a seemingly impossible romance to captivate and enthral the reader.
