Tento autor, kultúrny historik a prozaik, sa vo svojej práci zameriava na oživovanie minulých udalostí a dávanie hlasu tým, ktorí už nemôžu prehovoriť. Jeho debutový román, zasadený do obdobia prvej svetovej vojny, sa ponára do tém lásky a závislosti, skúma ľudské reakcie na mimoriadne okolnosti a vykresľuje temnejšiu, menej často spomínanú stránku vojnových čias s melancholickými aj nádejnými tónmi. Dôraz je kladený na detailné a živé zobrazenie minulosti a psychológie postáv.
The book explores the transformative cultural landscape for British teenagers after World War II, highlighting the explosion of youth venues and the rise of juke boxes from fewer than 100 in 1945 to over 15,000 by 1958. It captures the vibrant atmosphere of cafés and bars that became popular gathering spots, where youth engaged with the new sounds of American jazz and rock 'n' roll, reflecting a significant shift in social dynamics and youth culture during this era.
Set against the backdrop of World War I in London, the story follows Jan Strang, the son of a Swedish timber merchant, and Lucy Green, daughter of a postmaster, as they fall in love and marry. Living with Jan's cosmopolitan parents, Lucy is exposed to a world filled with new experiences and temptations. However, their life together is disrupted when Jan is called to serve in the war, testing their relationship and the changes they face amidst the chaos of the times.
Presents a highly original and detailed investigation into the nature of American visual, musical and cultural influences on British youth between 1945 and 1960. It looks at the spread of youth culture, juke boxes, coffee and milk bars, dress styles and rock 'n' roll and the context of these 'new' cultural influences in design, music and lifestyle. -- .