In this sequel to his award-winning Empire of the Sun, young James returns to England at the end of World War II. He stumbles through medical study at Cambridge, trains briefly as an RAF pilot in Canada, and marries. When his wife dies suddenly, Jim is thrust into the violence and sexual promiscuity of the sixties. Penetrating and wise, J. G. Ballard's biting social commentary and pushing of boundaries make this semi-autobiographical novel a small classic.

Praise

"Raw and tender in its beauty, and dark in its hilarity . . . the capstone to a magnificent career."--San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Ballard's sequel to his autobiographical epic Empire of the Sun treats the subsequent events of his life, offering visceral immediacy and piercing honesty."--Publishers Weekly
 
"With penetrating topical commentary and abiding wisdom, this well-crafted novel should enjoy wide appeal."--Library Journal
 
"Remarkable."--The New Yorker
 
"Fascinating."--The New York Times Book Review

About the Author(s)

J. G. Ballard

J. G. Ballard was born in Shanghai in 1930 and for more than three decades he lived in Shepperton, England. His other works include Empire of the Sun, Crash, and The Day of Creation. He passed away in 2009.

photo: Copyright Jerry Bauer