THE BLIND LIGHT

This story, covering the years from 1959 to 2019, centers on the unlikely friendship of two English army buddies. Listeners observe how over time this awkward relationship impacts several generations. For example, all the family members are affected by fears of nuclear annihilation. Narrator Matthew Lloyd Davies creates a detailed portrait of postwar Britain. He brings to life characters of both genders and varied classes and ages, giving them all appropriate accents and emotional resonance. However, the characters Davies so expertly portrays appear to lack critical thinking ability, perspective, or compassion. While this novel captures the tensions of its era, and even its existential horrors, none of the characters are commendable. This is a new picture of "Britishness" that does away with stereotypes. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2021]