Five Boys

A Devonshire village in the 1940s has its quiet routine shattered by a series of unexpected arrivals. First, by a young evacuee who’s been wrenched from his home in the East End of London. Then, the American forces who requisition great stretches of the countryside to prepare for their invasion of France.

But neither compares to the chaos brought about by the arrival of a quiet old man who keeps bees, appears not to want to bother anyone, but is slowly revealed to have plans for revenge.

Shortlisted for the Encore Award

‘A work of startling originality,’ Times Literary Supplement

‘Vibrant, happily eccentric and a joy to read,’ Sunday Times