In 1964 Bristol was a hotbed of talent. Tom Stoppard worked as a local journalist whilst writing original, clever plays, with sparkling dialogue. John Boorman was with the BBC producing Panorama, then had the opportunity to direct his first film, a visually beautiful West Country romance, ‘Catch us if you Can’, featuring the Dave Clark Five, thus beginning an illustrious career as a film maker. Peter Nichols wrote the film script, and later became a witty, thought provoking, brilliant playwright of national acclaim, as did Sir Tom Stoppard.
Anne was part of their circle but drifted away after she marries, Charles, her miserly, selfish, social climbing husband, who calculates his monied bride to be a social asset for furthering his career.
As her friends, rocket to success, Anne is ground down by her husband’s pettiness and she bitterly regrets the loss of her former carefree life. This vivid tale illuminates snapshots of a Sixties marriage against the hilarious background of lodgers, dinner parties, cinema and opera, spanning a quarter of a century of economic change. Harold Wilson, Edward Heath, Margaret Thatcher in turn wield their power. Rising racial tension and changing social mores are brought alive by a variety of amusing characters. The Brixton riots end Anne’s London life. Whilst the Falkland war rages, she leaves the capital for the safety of her beloved Bristol. A foundering marriage leads to an intriguing game of chess as professional chicanery and shabby tricks are revealed. Charles has come a long way from his council house, but not far enough to behave like a gentleman!

ISBN 9780953905638. Paperback 338 pages