Dimensions
138 x 216 x 25mm
The new novel, another remarkable story of the complexities of guilt and moral responsibility, from the Booker-shortlisted author of 'The Dark Room' and 'Field Study'.
Serving in the British Army in Northern Ireland, Joseph shot and killed a man. A subsequent inquiry has cleared him of any inappropriate behaviour, yet, now returned to civilian life, he remains haunted by the experience. Working as a painter and decorator in London he meets Alice, and through her, her grandfather David, himself a veteran of the armed forces. In the 50s, David served in the RAF in Kenya, where unbeknown to his grand-daughter, he bombed Mau-Mau jungle hide-outs. In all probability – and equally in the course of duty – he too has blood on his hands. As soldier and pilot, both Joseph and he are innocent; as men, both – perhaps – are guilty.
In this powerful exploration of guilt, war and the power of mankind's greatest – yet all too frequently broken – taboo, 'Thou shalt not kill', Rachel Seiffert delivers on the remarkable promise of 'The Dark Room' and 'Field Study'.