Boy from Rod Alley

The Boy from Rod Alley is a 1930s childhood story that blends into a story of a decade in the aftermath of the Great War. John guides readers past the deep pond in front of the house, the great village Green, and the warren, lake, small stream, villages, small towns, and the city of Norwich. He recounts feelings and notions inherent in his boyhood experiences and actions, shaping his attitudes and interests.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 28 May 2019
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

The Boy from Rod Alley is a captivating account of a childhood in the 1930s, seamlessly blending into the story of a decade that followed the Great War. As ex-soldiers ride their old army bikes, "widow-women" become familiar figures, and "Umbrella Joe" walks in a state of aimless shell-shock. John, the narrator, takes readers on a journey past the deep pond in front of the house, a place both feared and loved, surrounded by willows that are simultaneously familiar and a challenge. The great village Green, with its humble or imposing dwellings, school, church, chapels, shops, a smithy, and his family's agricultural-engineering workshop and foundry, holds both delights and threats. At each of its five corners, a road leads to other places that become integral to the story, including a warren, lake, small stream, villages, small towns, and the city of Norwich. As the boy grows, Norwich becomes increasingly alluring, drawing him in with its promise of adventure and exploration.

From these various places, both strangers and familiar visitors arrive, each adding their unique perspective to the narrative. Among them, some stand out as memorable characters. John, in his portrayal, eschews adult hindsight and instead chooses to convey the immediacy of his boyhood experiences and actions. His mind is filled with characters from books, newspapers, songs, films, history, and legend, and his imagination weaves these everyday realities into the fabric of his attitudes and interests.

The Boy from Rod Alley is a testament to the power of imagination and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era and a reminder of the importance of preserving the memories and lessons of our past. Through John's eyes, we are transported back to a time when the world seemed less complicated and the possibilities for adventure were endless.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 194 x 112 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789017564