Survival

About the Book

PROLOGUE

To know someone as a friend and be in the process of falling in love with them, only to have them die of leukaemia before one could declare that love, sets a pattern for life.

Mavis was a superb dancer. I, although acknowledged as also an accomplished dancer, felt in awe of her flashing feet. I have not until now revealed, nor referred to these feelings for some 45 years. Since we were but members of the same dance club, the only thing I could do was to send a card of condolence to her parents, whom I never met. I took her to a theatrical performance once. It was Salad Days at the Theatre Royal in Brighton. She was so beautiful, but on Earth for a mere 18 years. I never even told my mother of my love for her. It was a private thing, to be stored in my heart.

Now, in my waning days, I have to set down the account of my life before I join her, or not, in the next life. I have spent the years trying to find my calling and even now, have not succeeded. Oh, I have had minor successes among the failures but, believing that there is a purpose for me being alive, I have not yet heard the call. It is for this reason that the story you are about to read is called simply, Survival.

P.H., Crete 2003

About the Author

A student of private schools and the son of professional parents, I proved too adventurous for the Groves of Academe and rebelled against the advice of my elders. I served two military stints - in the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. I saw a good chunk of the world from the deck of a ship or the cargo bay of a plane and never lost the wanderlust. While I am a newcomer to serious writing (my retirement has afforded me the time, at last!) I am an inveterate observer of people and their choices - now with the time and the overwhelming inclination to record those observations and add my own remarks on occasion, in print. I have written short stories and poetry and performed a selection of my life-story highlights on stage. This is my first novel.