Post-war, July 1945, and Bill Wilson’s evacuation is over. He must return to a dirty and damaged London, many heart-pounding miles away from the foster home he loves. His favourite uncle is back from the war, but so strange and different. Why does he avoid fellow soldiers and act weirdly? Worse, his manipulative cousin Kenneth is to share Bill’s Wandsworth home. As the two boys struggle through adolescence and the severe austerity of the 1940s, Kenneth sets out to be top dog. Everything Bill has, everything he does, everything he values, Kenneth grasps. Tensions rise to a...

WWII, two boys, a fateful rivalry.

..". thoroughly enjoyed the book. The research is meticulously done with convincing historical detail..." Historical Novel Society.

1937 Tensions are brewing in England as World War II threatens. In South London, the Wilsons' anxiety spills over into five-year-old Billy's world. Moreover, his own battle is just beginning. An only child, he longs for a playmate, and when his aunt, uncle and cousin move nearby, he thinks his dream has come true. But cousin Kenneth turns out to be darkly manipulative and envious of Billy's...

." . .the stark and simple times of wartime Britain superbly evoked with just the simplest of brush strokes . . .gets so well into the mind of a small boy - truly impressive." Frank Kusy, Rupee Millionaires

"Historically authentic and psychologically insightful. A future classic." G.Polley, Japan

"A delight to read" Historical Novel Society

September 1940. Relentless bombing in London and evacuated once again, Billy is billeted with an elderly couple. Luckily, they provide the nurture he needs to develop new talents, for sinister cousin Kenneth...