I've read and enjoyed the previous books in this trilogy - though a long time ago. This third book particularly interested me because Joe, the boy around whom the story is woven, is an exact contemporary of my husband. Joe too is a working class boy who has the chance of a grammar school education followed by university. The picture of 50's town life, with all its restrictions and post-war gloom, and the characters of Joe and his girlfriend Rachel were well-drawn, as well as some of the more minor characters such as his parents and Rachel's father, among others. A few seemed to have no real place in the narrative, such as Joe's school friend Alistair. The period detail and real feel for this period of post-war Britain, the slow unfolding of the narrative, the respect Bragg shows for each of the characters makes for an absorbing read. ( )

A very good account of a young man finding his feet. There is a good overall story of family life in the 50s. Close relationships, possible taboos and the zest for life of the young people. There is growth of the characters. A very warm feeling of family life and the move away which is a complete contrast of the angry young man of the 1960s. Very refreshing and cultured but real read. ( )

This is the continuation of the story of Joe Richardson. I guess it is a coming of age story of a child born during the Second World War. I wondered at times if there were elements of the authors own life. Nicely drawn relationships with his parents Ellen and Sam, and extended family and friends. Also the changing relationship with his girlfriend Rachel as he moves to Oxford and away from the village. Enjoyable but better read in closer proximity to the earlier books. ( )