The Road Between Us

Whilst at the library recently, I thought I'd go for something a little different and this novel by Nigel Farndal caught my eye. Split between telling the tale of Charles and Anselm; two lovers seperated by World War II and Edward and Hannah; a father returned from being held prisoner for eleven years in Afghanistan and his daughter; The Road Between Us is gripping and emotional. The Second World War is something that interests me in many ways, mainly the sheer horrific nature of the concentration camps. This book offered an insight into the only "work camp" in France, Anselm's punishment for being a homosexual and also narrates Charles's attempts to rescue his lover and all that happens on the way. This story of a love that crosses oceans and borders and withstands things that are almost incomprehensible (the word meatball will never be the same again..) Is so emotive and well told that you never give up hope for the two, it has been a while since I have rooted for someone as much as I have Charles and Anselm. Farndale very cleverly weaves this tale, with that of Charles's son in modern day; he has been held captive in Afghanistan for eleven years, pronounced dead, and finally returned to his young adult daughter a very different man to the dad who left. Although their tale is uncomfortable at times to read, Edwards return to a society and a life he does not quite understand is very poignant and something you feel as a reader you have to see through to the end.
At times, it seems slightly bizarre that these two stories are being told alongside one another, you do not see how they can connect, but Farndale does not disappoint in the end, you get your answers and are not left feeling unfulfilled.
It may be quite brutal at times, the humanity and emotion almost too much to bear, but this is definitely a novel I would recommend to anyone who has any interest in the war (both back then and now) and anyone who enjoys a journey into someone elses life and emotions. It is not a soppy romance in any way but it does tug at the heartstrings occasionally in a way that didn't make me want to gag or roll my eyes, Farndale hits the perfect balance of emotion and action and I am certainly going to be looking for more by him in the future.

Have you read any of Nigel Farndale's work? Can you recommend me any World War II related works?

Becca.