About This Book
On the eve of the Second World War the increasing independence of her two sons puts widow May Wright's emotions to the test as the boys move into adulthood. Sensitive and intellectual John is in love with and engaged to respectable, middle-class Jenny and they long to marry and start their life together. Unfortunately, though, their relationship is tested by time and the restrictions of youth and propriety. Meanwhile, Teddy, impetuous and fiercely proud of his working -class roots, rushes into an affair with shy, pretty Marian that leads to pregnancy and a hasty marriage, But when the dust settles, Teddy finds the responsibility unbearable and quits. Secretly joining the rebels in the Spanish Civil War, he abandons Marian.
The family drama is played out against a backdrop of approaching war, which casts its shadow over them. Both sons are embroiled in the conflict, and May, widowed from the First World War, must once more face the prospect of shattering loss, as her sons follow their father's path.
