Heartfelt Story

Radcliffe Road by Betty Valentine, is told in the form of a diary, written by male protagonist, George. George is in a care home and is preparing to tell his life story, ready to be placed into a time capsule.

The diary follows George and Henry who were best friends until one day they shared a kiss in the garden shed. From then on their friendship wasn't the same again.

The diary is primarily set in the 1960s, during a time where views on homosexualities were a taboo and there was social stigma surrounding it and people were often criminalised. But the author touches upon this and other difficult topics in a sensitive manner.

I loved that George's story was written in diary form, as diaries are personal and it touches upon that persons private thoughts and feelings - George was often opinionated which did make me smile especially surrounding his wife, Eileen.

I suppose in some ways I found the story quite nostalgic especially in regards to the shed, as it was often the man's personal and private place.

This was a lovely story of love, friendship and relationships which I will hold dear, and it will stay with me for some time. Overall I absolutely loved this book, it made me laugh and equally made me cry, it's such a heart warming read.

Radcliffe Road

Buy Now