‘A man who gives a good account of himself is probably lying since any life when viewed from the inside is simply a series of defeats.’

The experience of eighty years – denied for too many forebears, victims of battlefield, illness or other distress – engenders profound gratitude. There is the opportunity to reflect on disagreements, difficulties and mistakes, attempting to follow George Orwell’s intimation above. The author would welcome discussion on any of the issues in his books.