Winner of the WH Smith Literary Award, 2000.
When Sam Richardson returns in 1946 from the 'Forgotten War' in Burma to
Wigton in Cumbria, he finds the town little changed. But the war has
changed him, broadening his horizons as well as leaving him with
traumatic memories. In addition, his six-year-old son now barely
remembers him, and his wife has gained a sense of independence from her
wartime jobs. As all three strive to adjust, the bonds of loyalty and
love are stretched to breaking point in this taut, and profoundly moving
novel.