The village is a typical small community in which people have their own worries and concerns of a more or less trivial nature. Michael's neighbours turn to him for wise counsel and sympathy, each making their own demands on him, drawing him into their concerns.
As his health improves, his mind begins to turn to a more ambitious career but this piles on the pressure. Eventually we discover the cause of his injury and he is forced to face his past, breaking through the wall he has put around himself. Moral and social decisions follow as he comes to terms with the consequences of his past actions and kindnesses.
With themes that are still relevant today, this was probably written in the mid 1970s and Paul Griffin's first full novel. It draws on his time living and teaching in the Midlands and in Cyprus during 'The Troubles' of 1956 - 1960.
It has been privately published by Lyon and Lamb and is available for £10 from the Lulu shop.
