A son of war Book

I only realised this novel had a predecessor three-quarters the way through! No matter, this novel can stand on its own. Absolutely wonderful characters, the central one being young Joe whose father has just returned from Burma after the war has ended. It leads us through those post-war years as Joe experiences it: a northern working-class boy from Cumbria, so vivid and true-to-life ( I believe it's semi-autobiographical ). What empathy Bragg has for his younger self! Reading Wizard, his agony and joy of being taken to the pictures to watch Snow White (agony of waiting for the day - joy of the spectacle and singing the songs); boxing heroes and day trips to Blackpool. The novel takes a darker turn as Joe reaches adolescence; it feels like the author has regressed completely to agonising times - a troubled youth struggling with night terrors. Loved it.