I told you that John Lawton was a terrific writer!

Today, whilst meandering gently through the architectural treasures of downtown Yeovil (I don't think I need to use the indicative '!' to provide an irony alert) I paid a visit to one of my favourite bookshops - the Heart Foundation - or it could be Cancer Research - or, no, wait a minute, maybe it was the local Hospice - whatever, it was a charity shop in which there are frequently good books to be picked up for mere pence - and buying one makes you feel even better about yourself, too.  Anyway, a few weeks ago I gave you ungrateful lot a rave revue for the works of John Lawton and today I picked up another of his books but this one was very different.

I told you last time that he has a series of books featuring the Troy family from pre-war years and onwards.  In them, he seems effortlessly to weave his way into the warp and woof of British society at all levels.  However, in this book, Sweet Sunday, he has taken a huge gamble for an Englishman and attempted the same sort of infiltration of American society in the '50s and '60s.  As usual with his technique, the famous and the 15-minute famous drift in and out of the fictional narrative.  I must leave it to my American readers to let me know in due course whether or not Lawton's evocation of that era is accurate but it certainly seems so to me.  He never hurries his story-telling, allowing it to grow slowly but steadily like moss.  Lawton is, by conviction a 'Lefty' but he never allows it to interfere with the slow but irresistible momentum of his tale.

Again, I urge you, give his books a try!

Comments

[Dom]

I read my first Lee Child novel on your recommendation, and very much enjoyed it. This Lawton guy sounds interesting, but I think I'd rather try one of the British books. Any recommendations there?

[David Duff]

Dom, glad you enjoyed the Lee Child book, there are plenty more around.

As for John Lawton, I would suggest "Second Violin". This is the first of a series based on the very remarkable Troy family. As I say above, he manages to evoke so many different aspects of British (and in this case Viennese) life. His 'hero', Frederick Troy, despite being the son of a very rich and powerful immigrant from Russia, starts as an ordinary copper on the beat in the East End during the blitz before promotion to Scotland Yard and onwards and upwards in the following books. My usual money back guarantee if you're not fully satisfied, er, but remember I am an ex-second-hand car dealer!!!

But if you can, try "Sweet Sunday" sometime and please let me know if you think Lawton captures the essence of 'over thee'.