The Blind Side

by Francis Clifford

Focuses on the clash of wills and philosophy which separate two brothers as they seek their own answers to the world's problems.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

Francis Clifford is a pen name of Arthur Leonard Bell Thompson , a British writer of crime and thriller novels. He was born in Bristol, served with great distinction in the Second World War, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

Reviews

[David Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

A high quality thriller from Francis Clifford. Written in 1971 it involves brothers, Richard and Howard Lawrence, Korean War veterans who chose different paths to escape their unhappy upbringing by a controlling mother and a weak father.
Richard is a Catholic priest who is ministering to a desperate and starving Biafran flock during the war of the late 60s. Cut off from any aid or hope he takes the only vehicle available to try and raise awareness of his villagers’ plight. His quest is nail-biting and has surprising consequences.
Meanwhile Howard is ensconced in British Naval Intelligence from whom he routinely betrays secrets to his Russian handler while living a dissolute and unsatisfying life which will inevitably unravel through events beyond his control.
Their mother’s illness brings the reluctant brothers back together as both their careers reach crisis point and they are forced into increasingly desperate action to save skin and conscience.
Excellent characterisation and a plot that surges along make this a riveting read.