MOMENT IN TIME

by H. E. Bates ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 7, 1964

The moments in time here held up to the light occur during the Battle of Britain, in the life of nineteen-year-old Elizabeth. The summer of 1940 in Southern England brings imminent danger of invasion, despite fliers who are pitting their valor against the Germans high in the sky above. When the RAF requisitions the Cartwright house, a new life begins for Elizabeth. It on compasses the hero worship of dashing Bill Ogilvie, the deep love for the youthful Splodge which brings marriage, and the deepening of understanding as Elizabeth endures the wounds of war. Bill returns from France horribly defaced but still high spirited and determined to fly again; Splodge is killed on the ground, and Liz, after immolating herself for a time, is induced to return to the world again to participate in the marriage of Bill to a pilot's widow and to accept the steady ardor of Tom Hudson, the young farmer who had to remain at the plow when he yearned to do battle. H.E. Bates writes with his customary ease; his eye for the pastoral countryside and ear for the Air Force johnnies' repartee are particularly keen, and if he brushes away the tears of tragic loss slightly, it is all in the interests of a ""good show.

Pub Date: Aug. 7, 1964

ISBN: 1450018920

Page Count: -

Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Co.

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1964

Categories: FICTION