1942-1964
Paul and Claire Craddock have grown older in years – but not in spirit.
The turbulence of war is followed by a penurious peace. Changes are taking place in the countryside, from the way land is farmed to the hopes and expectations of the men and women who live there. Paul Craddock’s livelihood, his peace, and his vision of a good and noble way of life in Shallowford are all threatened.
With the help of his children and his children’s children, Paul starts to adapt his dreams in order to preserve the farm. To his surprise and pleasure, in doing so he comes to discover deeper, richer ties with those around him – ties that hold a ripe promise for the future.
‘Mr Delderfield’s manner is easy, modest, heartwarming’ – Evening Standard
Paul and Claire Craddock have grown older in years – but not in spirit.
The turbulence of war is followed by a penurious peace. Changes are taking place in the countryside, from the way land is farmed to the hopes and expectations of the men and women who live there. Paul Craddock’s livelihood, his peace, and his vision of a good and noble way of life in Shallowford are all threatened.
With the help of his children and his children’s children, Paul starts to adapt his dreams in order to preserve the farm. To his surprise and pleasure, in doing so he comes to discover deeper, richer ties with those around him – ties that hold a ripe promise for the future.
‘Mr Delderfield’s manner is easy, modest, heartwarming’ – Evening Standard
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Reviews
Praise for R F Delderfield:
Mr Delderfield's manner is easy, modest, heartwarming
R F Delderfield is a born storyteller
Sheer, wonderful storytelling
It is always a pleasure to read R F Delderfield, because he never seems to be ashamed of writing well . . . Today he is a bestseller wherever English language books are read
Highly recommended. Combines tension with a splendid sense of atmosphere and vivid characterisation. An excellent read
He built an imposing artistic social history that promises to join those of his great forebears in the long, noble line of the English novel. His narratives belong in a tradition that goes back to John Galsworthy and Arnold Bennett
