Come storico culturale e romanziere, questo autore si dedica a riportare in vita eventi passati e a dare voce a coloro che non possono più parlare. Il suo romanzo d'esordio, ambientato sullo sfondo della Prima Guerra Mondiale, esplora i temi dell'amore e della dipendenza, approfondendo i modi in cui i personaggi affrontano circostanze straordinarie. L'opera ritrae vividamente il lato oscuro e spesso non documentato della Londra in tempo di guerra, catturando stati d'animo di disperazione e speranza attraverso dettagli concreti. L'intenzione dell'autore è quella di illuminare storie dimenticate e i complessi paesaggi emotivi dei periodi storici.
The book explores the transformative cultural landscape for British teenagers after World War II, highlighting the explosion of youth venues and the rise of juke boxes from fewer than 100 in 1945 to over 15,000 by 1958. It captures the vibrant atmosphere of cafés and bars that became popular gathering spots, where youth engaged with the new sounds of American jazz and rock 'n' roll, reflecting a significant shift in social dynamics and youth culture during this era.
Set against the backdrop of World War I in London, the story follows Jan Strang, the son of a Swedish timber merchant, and Lucy Green, daughter of a postmaster, as they fall in love and marry. Living with Jan's cosmopolitan parents, Lucy is exposed to a world filled with new experiences and temptations. However, their life together is disrupted when Jan is called to serve in the war, testing their relationship and the changes they face amidst the chaos of the times.
Presents a highly original and detailed investigation into the nature of American visual, musical and cultural influences on British youth between 1945 and 1960. It looks at the spread of youth culture, juke boxes, coffee and milk bars, dress styles and rock 'n' roll and the context of these 'new' cultural influences in design, music and lifestyle. -- .