Bernard Bridgeman, the protagonist, is not a superhero, sports star, A-lister or otherwise extraordinary individual. In many respects, he’s quite ordinary, and for me that’s a large part of his appeal.
In ‘Book 1’ we learn about many of his childhood adventures and misadventures, with his friends in and around the ‘Helles Road gang’ in 1961, as well as some events which we later see reverberate through Bernard’s life in decades to come. For me, as someone who was in primary school in 1961, though in a different environment, the carefully drawn characters and situations resonated and prompted me to reflect on my own childhood, and how my experiences then might have fed into the person I’ve become.
‘Book 2’ sees Bernard, some 50 years on, as a crusty, late career lawyer. There’s a lot going on his life and not just to do with his work as a wills, estates and probate lawyer. Bernard has a vivid imagination and a capacity, on occasions for spontaneous action, which can land him in rather hot water. We’re hearing the story unfold directly in Bernard’s words, with linkages back to people and events from his childhood, yet with a dry wit and a gradual build of suspense. I was very much drawn in.
Robert White is a writer of talent and flair. Let’s hope we get to read more from him.