This novel describes a true event; the meeting in World War One of a Cornish Yeoman soldier from Truro riding to war in search of action. Stranded in Flanders, he loses his horse. Being wet for long periods causes Rheumatic Fever. As invasive surgery is not required, he is shunted from Belgium; to France to Britain arriving in Nottingham, he is pronounced dead. A nurse; whose family were from Creetown; Kirkcudbrightshire, spots the body move and has it placed back upon a ward. Against all odds, the soldier lives. A rapport developes, leading to romance; a difficult courtship, his father opposes the union not wishing for his son to marry outside of Cornwall but love overcomes all opposition.
They prosper, with a large number of staff, growing family all appears set fair. Then, stock market crash; and depression, Rheumatic Fever reoccurs. Again she nurses him back to health.
The second world war brings economic success but family sadness. Throughout, you learn about British farming history, village life; the rural and market city experience, meet real characters from all walks and strata of life. You witness their humour, failings, spirituality and struggle during a terrible period of world and national history.
You learn how political decisions impact upon farming, imports and rhetoric are cheap.
Throughout you fell the pull of Kernow, Celtic for Cornwall, as the homeland calls it's distant son.
With artistic licence to create a book, this is the true story of the lives of the authors maternal grandparents.