It’s 1945. Edgar, son of Clem, brother of Aida, has died in a Far East Prisoner of War Camp and the Everett family are struggling to come to terms with their loss. And then along comes Starling, the man who loved Edgar and knew him to the end. When Starling insinuates himself into the family home, powerful yearnings tangle together in a tight, dark, sexy and romantic tale about life and love in the aftermath of war.
‘Glaister has the uncomfortable knack of putting her finger on things we most fear, of exposing the darkness within.’
– Independent on Sunday
‘Lesley Glaister’s new novel is refreshingly different. It may be called old-fashioned, and is all the better for being so. It has well-imagined characters, a convincing setting, and a good and often moving story. There is nothing extravagant, nothing fanciful. Set in 1945-6, it may seem to many a historical novel, or period-piece. Perhaps it is that, for it certainly evokes and re-creates an England foreign to most readers today. It does so, I should add, extremely well.’
– The Scotsman. Read the full review here.
‘This is highly capable historical fiction that is both set firmly in the times and a very absorbing narrative. The main characters, vibrant and credible creations, are well developed by Glaister to thrive in the mind of the reader. She has an arch humour and wry observation that reminds me of Kate Atkinson. The historical sentiment is good, with the dominating ambience of austerity and mourning mixed with the relief following the conclusion of hostilities and the expectations of recovery both in material and mental terms, constructing a charged cocktail of emotions for the main players in this excellent novel.’
– Historical Novel Society. Read the full review here.
‘ In A Particular Man, Glaister examines the emotional and psychological aftermath of the Second World War through the story of one family and the stranger who inserts himself into their lives. The authentic voices of her complex characters take you back in time and yet manage to feel modern at the same time. A stunning blend of historical fiction, page-turning psychological suspense and compelling emotional drama. A gripping, unsettling and heartbreaking read.’
– TJ Emerson, author of The Last Resort.
