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About the Author
James Runcie is the author of two novels, The Discovery of Chocolate and The Colour of Heaven. He is also an award-winning film-maker and theatre director and has scripted several films for BBC Television. James Runcie lives in St.Albans with his wife and two daughters.
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Len
I know the fear of death is always with us but sometimes it can disappear for days. You don’t think about it when your wife is coming to bed and she takes off her nightgown and you’re excited by her nakedness even if you have been married for a long time. You don’t think about it when your child gives you a smile that you know is meant only for you or when the sea is dead calm and you’re out fishing with no one to trouble you. You don’t think about death, of course you don’t, it never crosses your mind, but then back it comes, far too soon, telling you not to be so cocky, don’t think this is going to last, mate, this is all the happiness you’re going to get and you should be grateful I didn’t come before.
I should have known. I’m a fisherman. All my life I could read the sky.
I’d already decided that it would have been nasty to fish on, what with the tide rising on the full moon and a long fetch expected; but it was hard to imagine what followed. In any case everyone was in a state because of the dance. Lily was anxious and wanted to look after our boy; her sister was fossicking through her clothes wondering which dress to wear; and I was convinced we were going to be late for the bus. By the time the storm reached us we didn’t have a prayer.
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- PublisherBloomsbury Publishing PLC
- Publication date2006
- ISBN 10 0747581878
- ISBN 13 9780747581871
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
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Canvey Island
Published by
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 2006
ISBN 10: 0747581878
ISBN 13: 9780747581871
Used
Hardcover
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardback. Condition: Good. The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR001771750
Quantity: 1 available
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Canvey Island
Published by
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, United Kingdom, London, 2006
ISBN 10: 0747581878
ISBN 13: 9780747581871
Used
Paperback
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. It is 1953 in Canvey Island. Len and Auntie Vi are dancing, he in polished shoes and slicked hair, she in fur stole and long gloves. They move lightly, with an easy sway. Uncle George sits and watches, but his mind is elsewhere, still fighting a war that has been over for almost a decade. Back at home, Len's wife Lily and their small son Martin are fighting for their lives, waist-deep in a raging black torrent of water. Lily's foot is stuck, but she begs her son to leave her, to try and get help. This sight of his mother, ghostly in her drenched nightdress, is his last glimpse of her alive. In the years after the flood, Len turns to Vi for comfort, and as Martin grows older he feels estranged from them both, shadowed by feelings of guilt and loss. As we follow the family in the aftermath of their bereavement, we follow too the fortunes of England, from Churchill's funeral to Greenham Common, from the austerity of the post-war years to the day the Iron Lady swept into Downing Street, and beyond. Profoundly moving and eloquently written, Canvey Island tells the story of changing times in post-war Britain through one family's tragedy and loss. It is a novel about past wounds and past passions, about growing up and growing old, about love, hope and reconciliation. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR001711105
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Canvey Island
Published by
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC 17/04/2006, 2006
ISBN 10: 0747581878
ISBN 13: 9780747581871
Used
Hardcover
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Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. . Seller Inventory # 7719-9780747581871
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Canvey Island
Published by
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 2006
ISBN 10: 0747581878
ISBN 13: 9780747581871
Used
Hardcover
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Canvey Island
Published by
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ISBN 10: 0747581878
ISBN 13: 9780747581871
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Canvey Island
Published by
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ISBN 10: 0747581878
ISBN 13: 9780747581871
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Hardcover. Condition: Used; Very Good. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine. Seller Inventory # CHL1512177
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Canvey Island
Published by
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC 17/04/2006, 2006
ISBN 10: 0747581878
ISBN 13: 9780747581871
Used
Hardcover
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Condition: Very Good. Shipped within 24 hours from our UK warehouse. Clean, undamaged book with no damage to pages and minimal wear to the cover. Spine still tight, in very good condition. Remember if you are not happy, you are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780747581871
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Canvey Island
Published by
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 2006
ISBN 10: 0747581878
ISBN 13: 9780747581871
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Hardcover
First Edition
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Condition: Very Good. First Edition. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 14983400-6
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Canvey Island
Published by
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 2006
ISBN 10: 0747581878
ISBN 13: 9780747581871
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Brit Books, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
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Hardcover. Condition: Used; Very Good. ***Simply Brit*** Welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there is something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality. Seller Inventory # 3685165
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Canvey Island
Published by
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 2006
ISBN 10: 0747581878
ISBN 13: 9780747581871
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Irish Booksellers, Portland, ME, U.S.A.
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