First published 2003. Pan paperback, 2003. pp 338 c.86,000 words.
This is something of a period piece, set in 1996 in the run up to the general election that took place in 1997, and the making by Tony Blair of ‘New Labour’. It was a time in Britain of optimism, of relative prosperity for most, of looking forward. Cool Britannia was the buzz, and Britpop briefly ruled the music scene. All these elements provide a prominent background to the story.
It begins as a couple in their early twenties, Ben and Sarah, are attending a huge concert at Knebworth that was headlined by Oasis. They were both planning to go to Japan together to teach, but now Ben has been offered an opportunity to work for the Labour party on their general election campaign. It is an offer too good to refuse, and so the couple decide they will spend a year apart. Another couple, close friends of Ben and Sarah’s, are also planning to spend a year separated while he goes off to Cuba to teach.
The story explores the stresses and strains of these long-distance relationships. The characters are well drawn, each having a distinct attitude to their bonds and separation. It is amusingly told, occasionally in the form of letters and emails. Mostly it is seen from Ben’s point-of-view. He is approached by a number of attractive women, and considers others, resisting valiantly. Then he spots Mika, a mysterious Japanese young woman, who has a habit of disappearing. She does not form into a real person, but seems like a Ben fantasy.
There are a number of aspects to the characters that seemed less than period accurate. All the young women (in their early twenties) wear cardigans, everyone smokes, everyone drinks often excessively. Ben starts out as a Blur fan, but Oasis feature more prominently in his music listening, until they are both supplanted by the unsuccessful folk singer Nick Drake. Ben seems to be easily swayed by the woman he is attracted by.
Bromley’s background research is often delivered heavy-handedly. We are given detailed descriptions of Nick Drake [p190], sushi [p240], kissing [p255], the Hiroshima atomic bomb [p274].
There are some lovely descriptions, for example ‘Today, with the rain … the London skyline is an outline at best, a preliminary pencil sketch waiting to be defined and painted in’ [p250]. We all have our views on what relationships are about, and may disagree as with ‘There’s no thinking involved: there’s just instinct and connection’ [p331].
Bromley’s writing is fluid, making for easy reading. His characters, with the exception of Mika, have real humanity and are mostly likeable, although like all of us, they screw up on occasions. This is a young man’s book – ‘old man… fifty or sixty’ [p279], but a light, entertaining read for those of any age.
Author’s own website: https://www.tombromley.co.uk/
Others’ reviews of the book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3310659-half-a-world-away
© William John Graham, September 2024