Imprint: Black Swan
Published: 01/01/2010
ISBN: 9780552774710
Length: 416 Pages
Dimensions: 198mm x 26mm x 127mm
Weight: 283g
RRP: £8.99
In 1940, every draft of every film script had to be approved by the Ministry of Information. Cast and crew were waiting to be called up at any moment, travel was restricted and filming was interrupted by regular bombing raids. And so it is that we find a disparate group of characters whose paths would never have crossed in peacetime: Ambrose Hilliard, a washed up old ham from the golden era of silent movies; Catrin Cole, formerly an advertising copywriter drafted in to 'write women' for the Ministry of Information; Edith Beadmore, a wardrobe assistant at Madame Tussauds; and Arthur Frith, peacetime catering manager turned wartime Special Military Advisor.
This distinct group find themselves thrown together in the wilds of Norfolk to 'do their bit' on the latest propaganda film - a heart-warming tale of derring do, of two sisters who set out in a leaking old wooden boat to rescue the brave men trapped at Dunkirk. All completely fabricated, of course, but what does that matter when the nation's morale is at stake? Newly crowned actor, script-writer, costumier and military attaché must swallow their mutual distaste, ill-will and mistrust and unite for the common good, for King and country, and - in one case - for better or worse...
Imprint: Black Swan
Published: 01/01/2010
ISBN: 9780552774710
Length: 416 Pages
Dimensions: 198mm x 26mm x 127mm
Weight: 283g
RRP: £8.99
[Lissa Evans] displays a fine eye for detail and for the absurdities involved in filming. She also brilliantly evokes the disruption and dangers of wartime London. This funny, heart-warming and beautifully crafted novel is a must-read
Beautifully written, minutely observed and researched, evocative and very funny tale
Comic, poignant and altogether delightful, raised spirits are guaranteed
This is a comic novel, but far warmer in tone and broader in scope than that label would suggest...Gloriously observed...Hilliard is a wonderful creation - and Evans's recreated propaganda scripts are a total joy. Delicious
Pitch-perfect in tone and populated by some unforgettable characters, Lissa Evans's blackly comic new novel is a delight