When Germany invades Holland in May 1940, 13-year-old Samuel De Souza is given a forged passport, put on a ship in the care of two elderly strangers and smuggled out from under the nose of the Nazis. Arriving in England, the young Jewish boy has the prospect of seeing out the war in relative safety, surrounded by newfound friends and with the love of Jannie, one of the older men who has become Sam's mentor and guide. When Sam meets and falls in love with Annie, it would seem his life is finally set fair, but, enraged by what is happening to his homeland, his people and by the death of Annie's mother when a German aircraft casually attacks their farm, he lies about his age and joins the Royal Navy. Staying in touch with Jannie, he discovers how much he is sustained by the love of this old man, a powerful force of humanity across cultures. Fair winds and calm seas are soon replaced by the heat of battle in dangerous waters as Sam De Souza takes a stand against the regime intent on exterminating him and his kind. A story of love, honour, duty and bravery inspired by real [...] love of an old man is like a flower in winterPortuguese proverb
When Germany invades Holland in May 1940, 13-year-old Samuel De Souza is given a forged passport, put on a ship in the care of two elderly strangers and smuggled out from under the nose of the Nazis. Arriving in England, the young Jewish boy has the prospect of seeing out the war in relative safety, surrounded by newfound friends and with the love of Jannie, one of the older men who has become Sam's mentor and guide. When Sam meets and falls in love with Annie, it would seem his life is finally set fair, but, enraged by what is happening to his homeland, his people and by the death of Annie's mother when a German aircraft casually attacks their farm, he lies about his age and joins the Royal Navy. Staying in touch with Jannie, he discovers how much he is sustained by the love of this old man, a powerful force of humanity across cultures. Fair winds and calm seas are soon replaced by the heat of battle in dangerous waters as Sam De Souza takes a stand against the regime intent on exterminating him and his kind. A story of love, honour, duty and bravery inspired by real [...] love of an old man is like a flower in winterPortuguese proverb
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While writing his first novel, A Flower in Winter, David became immersed in the world of its characters. "They became friends, invited me to share their lives, took me on their adventures, and asked nothing except that I record what they told me and what I observed." David was 80 when A Flower in Winter was published in December 2024. Two years and two books later, he has now started on his fourth novel while also developing the plot of a thriller set in a remote corner of Scotland."Researching, feeding information to the characters, and recording their actions and reactions is a wonderful diversion." David's upbringing in a service family led him to a lifetime of service to Queen and Country whether or not in uniform: working with young people, many disadvantaged; at sea under sail; running three National youth charities, and also in his own business. COVID put an end to David's formal working life, giving him instead the time and opportunity to escape into the world of his imagination. A misheard story led to A Flower in Winter; favourable reviews encouraged him to write the sequels."Being old lends a certain urgency to getting these stories written."
