This novel is about three generations of the Lamb family living in the suburb of Bournville, Birmingham, England. These generations cover a time span of 75 years, beginning with the end of World War II.

The narrative is broken into seven major historical moments of England’s history: VE day in 1945, Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, the World Cup final in 1966, and so forth. These pivots in England’s history are used as points on a linear path that the Lamb family travel along through the years.

The story is told through the eyes of Mary Lamb, based on Coe’s mother, and the family members who revolve around her. These generations live through a wide variety of events that affect England, including the monarchy, racism, class, and more recently, Brexit, the European Union, cultural identity and COVID.

Coe has a wonderful style of writing, flowing with subtle humour. It stands out in the dialogue between the delightful characters, specifically the siblings. It is also a sad, poignant book, reflecting the inescapable trappings of growing old. The inevitability of loss, both loved ones and opportunities. Lonely moments trapped in a COVID lockdown pondering on past choices. Memories and their accuracy eroding with time, their accuracy questionable.

Coe makes no attempt to hide his feelings on the changes and state of contemporary England, in particular Brexit and Boris Johnson.

If you enjoy sweeping family sagas, populated by wonderful characters, balanced narratives with stellar endings, then, like me, you will love this novel.

‘Everything changes, and everything stays the same.’

Reviewed by Neale Lucas