I haven't read any of Paul Johnstons scottish novels as they don't really appeal to me, I only picked this one up because I'm greek and greek fictions a little thin on the ground. Therefore I wasn't actually expecting it to be really very good, excellent in fact. The characters are absolutely believable and the plot fantastic.
I read parts to my rather ancient greek father (who doesn't read books) about the past; and he said how much it reminded him of all his old hopes and dreams of a better future from those times. He remembered all his old heroes from the second world war and after.
If I got nothing else from this book than my old Pa happily recanting his & his friends tales of heroism against the dictatorship then I must thank the author for the best book I've read all year.
Read this book I guarantee you'll not be able to put it down.