Take One Life

From the very first paragraph, I was drawn into the world of William Lyus and his family. I wanted to talk to him and tell him what to do/not to do – he felt so real. All the characters in this book are beautifully and sensitively drawn. I felt that the writer was describing people I knew from my childhood. Life was hard but people managed, and I recognised stories that my grandparents had told me about their lives. This book gives us a real insight into everyday life at the time – from the bread-bin to the dresses. It’s wonderful! Atmospheric, engaging, nostalgic and beautifully written. I did not want it to end and there can be no finer recommendation than that.

'Take One Life', the author's third novel, follows the experiences of William from childhood to middle age as he struggles against family and employment difficulties, made worse by the social, political and economic difficulties of England in the first half of the twentieth century. Despite early setbacks William gradually achieves some degree of happiness and success in his work and social life, only to be thwarted by the 1930s depression. He becomes more political, and during the second world war finds himself with the opportunity to take a profound action that he thinks will transform European events towards peace, by assassinating a leading politician. The characterisation of William, and the social background to living in England throughout this period are acutely observed, with some especially convincing portrayals of the class system, and a major financial scandal involving a well-known political figure. At one point William courageously takes the lead role in enabling a Jewish refugee to escape from Germany to England, and this episode is very well thought through and convincing part of the narrative. Altogether a novel of acclaim; one where the reader can thoroughly sympathise and empathise with the leading character as his life unfolds. Mr Donnelly is to be congratulated on producing another very enjoyable read.

Beautifully written. I couldn’t put it down. Now want to watch the film!

Graham Donnelly has come up with a great read in Take One Life, a book that follows a significant part of the life of one William Lyas. Set in the early part of the twentieth century, the story shadows its main character through a catalogue of highly believable twists and turns but isn't tempted to stray from the strict moral code that one might suggest was fashionable in that period. As a veteran of the latter part of the times featured, it certainly made me regret that a return journey was not possible. The novel majors on historical fact, chiefly surrounding the two wars and the interim years, and is assiduously accurate in every respect. I checked! Definitely a one-more-chapter-before-I-turn-in novel with echos of Boyd's Any Human Heart never far away. Well done, Graham, another one like this will be most welcome.