Another great ‘read-all-in-one-go’ book from natural-born storyteller Garry Willmott. Soul Survivor picks up the story of Lara, last remaining survivor of the Doherty family. The last sentence in Survival reads ‘The Dohertys had survived the war, the POW camps and the Titanic. Now they were all gone, except for Lara.’

Masterful storyteller Garry Willmott takes the reader on a wild ride through the orphaned Lara’s life from her childhood and privileged upbringing in England to her political career. Along the way, she follows the family tradition of becoming a doctor and is involved in the Hippie movement and the music of the 60s, and the Vietnam War protests. A lot of this story will be familiar territory for the baby-boomer readers.

Lara’s character is shaped by some cruel blows that life deals out to her but despite all these she retains her positive and loving nature.

Garry Willmott weaves his story through the turbulence of mid-20th century history. The story encompasses post-war England, international investments and shady deals, kidnapping and ransom, flower power and the swinging 60s, popular music, the waning power of the English class system and the political upheaval of the 70s. A brilliant read and a wonderful history lesson. - Sheelagh Wegman, editor.