This is a story about heroes, but not heroics. It is a story of men living their lives -- quietly and peacefully. But life has moments when it is neither, when things happen, life changes and men are forced to face themselves. Neil Piggott was a pilot flying Lancasters in World War II. Now he is an old man who likes to potter in his garden. Hidden in the house is the medal he won in the War, the Victoria Cross. His grandson Alex has just met Alyson. She's a friend of his brother Kieran. Alyson has taken Alex into her bed. And told him secrets abouts his brother Kieran. Neil already knows these secrets. He's faced death before. He can help Kieran face his. "a pleasure to read and reread ... an unusual, yet persuasive, perspective of Australian society." BRUCE SIMS "I was very moved by this novel." MARGARET BRADSTOCK