A new historical novel set against the backdrop of 1930s Europe delves into themes of loyalty and moral conflict amid the rising tide of fascism. The story centers on two characters from opposing backgrounds—Missie, a guest at an English manor, and Conrad von Echlau, an aristocrat who is vocally anti-Nazi yet conscripted into the Luftwaffe. Their romance unfolds just as the outbreak of war pits their homelands against each other, highlighting the complex tensions of personal allegiance in a time of burgeoning conflict.
The author, who has spent five years writing the novel, acknowledges that although the work is not intended as a profound political treatise, it raises pointed questions about the limits of duty and the ethical challenges faced by nations fighting for survival. "I pose the dilemma and then scuttle for the hills," he admits, noting the absence of easy answers.
Set during a period marked by escalating antisemitism and authoritarianism, the narrative includes a poignant moment when the protagonists intervene in a violent attack on a Jewish family by Brownshirts in Munich, underscoring individual acts of courage amid widespread fear and complicity.
Reflecting on contemporary parallels, the author observes that the political climate today echoes the era depicted in his novel. He points to the current rise of populism and antisemitism, especially in countries like the United States, where questions about loyalty and national identity mirror those faced by his characters. He expresses concern about the muted voices of those opposing such trends, suggesting that the situation is a troubling indictment of modern society.
The book also touches on issues of national defense and military preparedness. The author criticizes recent governmental policies for underfunding defense and overreliance on allies, arguing that Britain and other European nations must bolster their capabilities to confront the resurgence of autocratic forces. On the prospect of reinstating conscription, he acknowledges the current generation’s lack of motivation, attributing it to insufficient awareness of geopolitical threats, in contrast to the heightened vigilance seen in countries bordering Russia.
At its core, the novel explores the enduring theme of love in wartime, a subject the author links to the influence of literary figures such as Tolstoy and his longstanding aspiration to write fiction. The narrative culminates in a dramatic cliffhanger, combining historical insight with emotional depth.
When asked about casting choices for a potential adaptation, the author suggested Jessica Brown Findlay to portray Missie, drawing a resemblance to his mother, and envisioned a young Liam Neeson as Conrad, describing him as “a great big brute.” The book is published by Penguin.