Archie and Samad fought together in World War II, and both ended up back home in England. This is their story, or really their kids’ story. Around them are family, friends, school, work and community, packed full of their own stories too. The plot(s) kept things moving and brought in new interest and new characters, but it felt to me as if the plot took over towards the end and made characters do implausible things.
The book ends with a big set-piece, where all the characters converge with their own agendas in what promises to be a clash of cataclysmic proportions. A shocking link between the present and the past is revealed, although not really shocking since it was heavily signposted halfway through the book. And then a quick act of moderate violence and that’s it. The powder keg somehow never actually erupts – I found the climax, well, anti-climactic.
I did warm to some of the characters (Samad, his daughter Irie, philosophical cafe proprietor Mickey) but found most of them more or less annoying. There is a bit of humour, and much insight into the life of UK immigrants last century. Overall I liked this book for the characters and setting – the plot was less satisfying.