I found this a gentle story and I guess this reflects both the title and the main narrator, Henry. World War 11 provides the backdrop to the English, largely rural setting and sets the tone of simpler times. When people lived quiet lives and were guided by what was proper and correct in behaviour. Food and consumer items were in short supply.
Henry and Muriel, both teachers, are home schooling their two daughters who remain unnamed as they do not have lead roles in this tale. Henry is best described as intense, giving great thought to what he says and does.
When they decide to invite one of Muriel's night class pupils, a legal gentleman, to lunch the delicate balance of their daily lives changes.
This is not an action book, but has wonderfully drawn characters and depicts a very different world to the one we have today. ( )