It’s the early 1960s, the Rolling Stones, kipper ties and a sexual revolution; Kay and Paul, two young, gifted research scientists begin to find their way in academia and their distinctive research disciplines. Both bear emotional scars, a burden which seemingly puts a brake on future relationships and any ideas of romance.

Without notice, their lives are disrupted by an intriguing government project clouded in the politics of the time. Two conflicted individuals drawn together by the fervour of innovative research and surrounded by aspiring youthful scientists with clear goals. How will this intense collaboration awaken their emotions? And will it force them to not only assess their careers but the role of their science in the community and the world about them at a time of burgeoning technological advancement across so many continents?

At the nexus of cultural change and momentous political events, their love story explores the ambiguities and over-lapping complexities of science and the scientists that work in the real world. Where thoughtful and dedicated professionals are ravaged by the conflicting forces of ambition, reason and emotion.

Brian Chapman trained as a scientist and continued with academic research in the UK and North America until his late twenties. He then enjoyed a varied business career with over thirty years’ experience of international commerce across the private and public sectors. It began with the Dutch multinational Philips Electronics with responsibility for product marketing and laboratory management. His marketing skills then transferred to the UK’s National Physical Laboratory promoting scientific services and management of a government advanced materials research programme. This is Brian’s first novel; he lives in Dorking, Surrey, with his croquet mallet, fishing rod and dancing shoes.

Customer Reviews

4.5

2 reviews

Rachel Phipp

An ambitious mix of romance and science – we need more of these! The narrative rolls along, nicely alternating between the two well-rounded and believable main characters, each with their own identifiable voice. Paul and Kay are individually amiable whilst their relationship realistically weaves through the explicit and the unspoken. There are a lot of other characters too, some introduced, named and titled for a specific scene or situation. Due to the changing narrator, we’re never sure how invested to become in these secondary characters which can leave the reader feeling a little frustrated. There are multiple locations too, again sometimes more specific than necessary but some readers will enjoy the detail. Sometimes the language is a little clunky and the dialogue is a little abrupt, but the inner monologues and mannerisms of the main characters are described with integrity. Chapman chronicles fashions, vehicles and social behaviours of the time with a jolly familiarity that makes us stay the course, through the not-too-heavy science jargon. The book also offers a sprinkling of 1960s and 70s social history, referencing key national and international events as the protagonists’ profession is subject to the policies and pockets of changing governments who are themselves responding to the changing needs of their populations. A solid story from a budding new writer – I look forward to their next one :-)
Catherine Dixon

This is not the type of novel I’d normally be drawn to, but as I have a great love of the 1960’s and for something a bit different, I thought I’d give it a go. Don’t be put off by the scientific detail. It is there to set the scene and is done very well. Luckily, the reader doesn’t need to be a research scientist to enjoy this slow-burning love story. I really enjoyed the descriptions of Kay’s fashion choices and that both Paul & Kay shared a love of dancing. It’s a traditional book in so many ways, and this makes it stand out from the crowd. But don’t take my word for it; buy a copy and decide for yourself.