James Beard has spent most of his working life in education; teaching and lecturing at every level, after early experience in market research. He took up writing in retirement ‘to escape boredom’ and has submitted two plays in competition, one apiece of musical theatre. He focuses on historical fiction, embracing his own, or family experience and interests. Travel, gardening and community activities are his focus when not on ‘grand parenting’ duties.
What if you were growing up in a war, with a best friend who has fled from the enemy for safety? To whom do you talk? And whom can you trust? And then in a zoo you discover a secret that you must never tell anyone. Imagine yourself in that same Dutch city, famous for its mouse and windmills, with yo...