
Intrusion
Rosalind Minett(Author)
Uptake Publications (Publisher)
Published on 12. June 2015
Book
Paperback/Softback
246 pages
978-0-9927167-6-9 (ISBN)
Description
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 physical sturdiness and material advantages. The envy of greater strength and wider territory that led to Hitler's rise to power is mirrored in the Wilson family.
The adoring adults only see Kenneth's porcelain looks, artistic talent and flawless manners. Moreover, Uncle Frank, Kenneth's father, also resents Billy's physical superiority and sets out to bully him. Billy develops a stutter, causing further criticism from the adults and derision from Kenneth.
Given his emotionally distant parents, Billy is thrilled by attention from his father's friend, and even more so by secretly seeing his precious Cossack sabre. Under threat of personal and international war, Billy seeks imaginary protection from the sabre. Fantasising that he owns it, this icon sustains him through Uncle's bullying, Kenneth's invasions, an evacuation to the country and the shock of war. But could the icon destroy as well as save him?
In a former draft, this book was runner-up in the Yeovil novel prize. It also gained the Editor's Desk on Harper Collins' Authonomy site, winning a full and very positive Harper Collins' critique.
"A powerful and compelling narrative with strong and relatable characters. (It) offers an evocative portrayal of England's war-time home front." Harper Collins.
"A moving and thought-provoking book about the psychological effects of war . . . told very cleverly through the eyes of a child. Highly recommended."
Karen Perkin
Best-selling author of The Yorkshire Ghost Series and The Valkyrie Series
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Tadworth
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Illustrations
black & white illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 203 mm
Width: 127 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
300 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-9927167-6-9 (9780992716769)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Rosalind Minett is the author of the psychological suspense series, Better Not Lie, and the satirical paired short-story collections, Me-Time Tales. and Curious Men. She lives in South West England.