Barley Sugar - Jack Charles

Widow Deborah Coles is suffering a crisis of conscience about moving on with her life. When her 15 year old son, Lewis, finds himself in trouble with the police, she has little choice but to turn to her father in law for support. Over the course of a weekend, career criminal, Francis Coles, proves an unorthodox educator, as he reveals the heartbreaking love story which has allowed their family to endure. Reminiscing on his youth in 1950's London, Francis's tale is one of Teddy Boy gang fights, rock n roll romance in the dancehalls and daring heists, as he and his two best friends descend into a vicious world of vendetta, revenge and murder. Lewis listens and learns about the high price of survival, about how the trio - whilst maturing towards the prospect of fatherhood - would have their morality tested, and be forced to meet ever increasing stakes in order to protect not only their endeavours but also their relationships. Deborah and Lewis will each inherit the family secrets, revelations which could reshape the way they look at love, loss and life.