I loved Stan Barstow's realistic gritty books when I read them in the 1960s and 70s and it was fascinating to re-read this one again in today's world. Vic is a man of his time, forced into a shotgun wedding with Ingrid, and both ending up miserable. Probably very realistic. It is good to know most men have changed their attitudes since, and the ones who have not are not flavour of the month. However, unhappy marriages and partnerships seem still common, but now, thankfully, it is OK to part ways. Barstow's writing is very good and as such is an important voice to read today in order to try and understand how everyday working class British folk felt back then, products of their times. It is sad to think that while many of us have updated our attitudes and behaviours as our circumstances have improved dramatically, we are still managing to destroy our planet and wage horrific wars. My 4 star review reflects this as a fine book from the past.