A simple memoir of a relatively simple British life, beginning in poverty, ending in middle class comfort. But such an enchanting read! I truly couldn't put it down. Being an anglophile (with British parents) & the same age as the author, I adored reading about the small cultural oddities & sometimes devestating details of post-war life in the slums of Salford. We witness the extreme difficulties of maintaining household harmony while living in such spare economic circumstance -- particularly with a mother who is quite "colourful" often to the detriment of herself & her family. She is tough, strong, a hard-worker, but stubborn, "blameless" & impulsive.

The gist of the book is the author's search for his American father who was in Britain in 1943 to help with the war effort. He was in love with Kevin's mother, who refused to return to the US with him. All details about his patrimony are hidden from Kevin until his middle years. In the late 1980s he begins the most admirably resolute & unwavering search for his father, which goes on for several years. He finally succeeds and he and his wife fly to Indiana where his father is in a seniors' residence & quite disabled. It is a very touching week-long reunion after which his 75 year old mother decides she will follow-up with a trip of her own to visit her old love. More description would be a spoiler.

As well as the fascinating details of British life & customs, the unique straightforward voice of the memoirist went straight to my heart. Although the situations can be devestating at times, there is never a trace of bitterness or even complaint from Kevin Machell. Even the word "slums" (of Salford) is spoken only by his father - as the reason he could not stay and see his son brought up in this environment. Things that disturb Kevin, are described without embellishment or a gram of hyperbole-- "I have never been able to tolerate violence". Perhaps this seemeing passivity is the only way he could survive and eventually go on (without an education) to a very good executive position. He married his teen sweetheart and they live a mutually supportive & loving life.

Three stars for quality of writing - which is that of a dear friend writing you a very long, articulate letter. Although the two letters he wrote to his father, introducing himself and hoping desperately that the old man will agree to meet with him are real gems. ( )