Any romantic notions that this novel’s title might imply are quickly put to bed by a brutal rape scene which sets the tone for the rest of the tale. Set in Warrington, it centres on the lives of the Fitzgeralds, their struggle against adversity, and their inevitable path towards self-destruction.
Robbie Fitzgerald is an honest and charismatic Irishman, with rare gift for singing that could surely change his destiny. He is young, talented and in love, but from the outset he seems to know that the odds are stacked against him. ‘We should do it, you know, you and me,’ he proposes to Susheela, his young Malay wife-to-be, and these tentative words seem laden with the disappointments to come. A racist attack on Susheela coincides with Robbie’s one chance at success, and, with their own hopes and dreams dashed, their energies become focused on a better life for their children. But Ellie and Vincent have their own battles to face, and the worst is yet to come. With misery on the cards from the outset, there’s a temptation to abandon this sinking ship. Persevere, though, and Walsh’s talent shines through as she explores the complexities of human relationships and creates a convincing and touching portrayal of family life.
Walsh was herself born in Warrington, and you wonder how much of her own life is being played out through her characters. There’s a poignant moment when Robbie recognises the potential of his young writer son and urges: ‘Write what you know. That way it’ll ring true.’ A fairtytale this is not, but ‘Once Upon a Time in England’ is certainly written from the heart, and the Fitzgeralds stay with you long after their story ends.
