What do you think?
Rate this book
Jampot Smith
Chronicling the lives of a group of friends, this novel paints a portrait of those edging towards adulthood in the sunshine and shadow of Llandudno during the years of the Second World War. For Bernard—also known as Jampot Smith—Kathy, Epsom, and Dewi, it is all held in an exquisite balance of emotion and restraint that promises both love and danger. It is a time that will shape their lives against a war that will define it.
- GenresFiction
351 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 1973
2 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 19, 2013
I have mixed feelings about this one which i feel a bit bad about as my lovely husband thought it was excellent (as you can tell by his review).
The writing is really good and it creates a lovely feeling of Llandudno in the 40s - all the dances, girls and endless cups of coffee... but I found it a bit of a struggle and was really suffering midway, but then it all turned around once the reality of war crept into it. I really enjoyed the discussions Epsom and Bernard had about whether you should fight or not, the letters from Epsom, and Bernard's relationship with Kathy and with the other characters. So, I got really into the second half but not so much the first half, but wouldn't have enjoyed the second half so much had it not been for the first half....
Glad I've read it and have been impressed so far with all the 'Library of Wales' books even if they haven't been quite my thing.
Really enjoyed the introduction too.
The writing is really good and it creates a lovely feeling of Llandudno in the 40s - all the dances, girls and endless cups of coffee... but I found it a bit of a struggle and was really suffering midway, but then it all turned around once the reality of war crept into it. I really enjoyed the discussions Epsom and Bernard had about whether you should fight or not, the letters from Epsom, and Bernard's relationship with Kathy and with the other characters. So, I got really into the second half but not so much the first half, but wouldn't have enjoyed the second half so much had it not been for the first half....
Glad I've read it and have been impressed so far with all the 'Library of Wales' books even if they haven't been quite my thing.
Really enjoyed the introduction too.
January 1, 2015
Am glad that when I read this books, I was away and could not access goodreads. I really enjoyed it but the ratings here are discouraging!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews