Infiltration

"A delight to read" Historical Novel Society ". . .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 September 1940. Relentless bombing in London, so evacuated once again, Billy is billeted with an elderly couple. Luckily, they provide the nurture he needs, for devious cousin Kenneth comes too. He is in a neighbouring village, next to Billy's mother and sister, which allows him to act as a superior substitute. Remaining for the rest of the war, the cousins both face hardship and trauma. While Kenneth continues his invasion of Billy's psychological territory, Billy protects himself with imaginary power from his icon, the precious Cossack sabre, although now he has only its photograph. Just as Billy is settling happily into the cosy support of his foster home, a family catastrophe causes a new threat from Kenneth. This one will affect both their futures permanently. What's more, the precious photograph goes missing. Finding an ancient book in the manor library Billy learns the story of the Cossack sabre foretells a devastating future. It seems that the war will never end but when VE Day arrives, for Billy the general joy is laced with grief over enforced separation from the loving foster parents. As the young teenage cousins return to London, Billy must face the chequered thrill of seeing his family again, but changed by their war experiences. At the same time, he and Kenneth will compete for parental attention, now sharing space in the same home and with very different talents. Infiltration explores the ongoing and long-term effect of psychological bullying. This is a story of childhood resilience in the face of separation, physical hardship, the anxieties of world war and parenting ignorance. "Historically authentic and psychologically insightful. A future classic." G.Polley, Japan