James Kennaway bol škótsky autor, ktorého diela skúmali zložitosť ľudských vzťahov a spoločenských očakávaní. Jeho písanie sa vyznačuje ostrovtipom a prenikavými charakteristikami postáv, ktoré sa vyrovnávajú so svojimi vnútornými konfliktmi. Kennawayov výrazný hlas a naratívny štýl zachytili nuansy povojnového britského života, čím prispeli k jeho literárnemu významu. Jeho skúmanie tém ako ambícia, lojalita a hľadanie zmyslu hlboko rezonovalo u čitateľov.
Román z Anglie šedesátých let líčí komorní drama tří lidí, dvou žen a jednoho muže. Hrdina, muž středních let, který do té doby žije ve spokojeném manželství s půvabnou a společensky dokonalou ženou, naváže pod dojmem své blízké smrti milostný vztah s velice mladým a prostým děvčetem. Tento klasický milostný trojúhelník je autorovi podkladem k nesentimentální psychologické meditaci o tom, jak se současný člověk dovede či nedovede vyrovnat s věčně otevřenými otázkami ve vztahu mezi mužem a ženou i s problémem smyslu svého života.
The story begins as an economist arrives at a railway hotel, where gothic corridors are being painted. Julian, a 38-year-old economist, learns he has terminal lung cancer and faces the pain and loneliness of impending death. His marriage to Christabel becomes strained as they grapple with his illness. In search of a deeper connection, Julian embarks on a passionate affair with seventeen-year-old Sally Cohen, whose youthful exuberance offers him a fleeting escape from his grim reality. However, this relationship brings devastating consequences for him and the women who love him.
James Kennaway, an acclaimed author known for his novels and screenplays, tragically died young, yet he is now recognized as a significant figure in modern Scottish fiction. This edition of his posthumous masterpiece features an introduction by Frederic Raphael and is part of a collection that includes his other notable work.
Contemporary reviews praise Kennaway's poetic talent and human insight, highlighting the novel's depth, tenderness, and humor. Critics note its compassionate storytelling and light writing style, which avoids melodrama while tackling a harrowing theme. The work is described as moving and impressive, showcasing Kennaway's ability to convey a sense of reality and truth.
