The novel centres around a teenage son and his widowed Mum and the difficult relationship they have with her second husband. The boy meets an old War veteran and together they develop an unlikely friendship.

The storyline deals with domestic abuse, teenage love and bullying aswell as descriptions of the horrors of war.

It is set in the late 70s and it is intriguing as to how far Society has developed. Scenarios which we wouldn't accept now, seemed the norm then.

The location most of this takes place in is Whitstable and Tankerton, a place I know relatively well. Therefore it was easy for me to imagine the descriptions of the areas mentioned.

The first chapter is a bit bizarre and I almost gave up. However please pursue it as it does get better. The writing style is not as fluent as an experienced writer of many years but again this develops as the storyline develops.

I was quite surprised I enjoyed this novel, given the wobbly start. However, it did turn into a page turner and I found myself getting angrier as the scenes of domestic violence were played out and hoping that just desserts would be served up.

Not a literary novel and one with some awkward, disjointed phrasing.

I wish the author well but not a book for me.

Fifteen year old Callum has lost his confidence since the death of his father.
He is a studious boy who does well at school but he is quiet and keeps to himself.
This has made him a target for the school bullies.
His step father is a brute with a temper.
Callum decides to leave school early one day a meets Potts a vetern from the Second World War and they become friends.
A story about belonging and friendship with some interesting characters.
Thank you to NetGalley Victory Editing NetGalley for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.