Inspired by his parents’ experiences and what he learned in school, John Deakin has written ‘Torment’ (published by AuthorHouse UK) to illustrate how war can affect people.

In the book, Tom Walton, an elderly person in a care home, celebrates his 100th birthday and looks back on his life. Tom shares a traumatic event from his life during in France during World War II, where German troops killed all the other men he was with, leaving him as a lone survivor. That experience profoundly affected his life. Later it also changed the life of a German family as well when he was called to testify about the incident in a war crimes trial in Hamburg, Germany.

“The book illustrates the sacrifices that the wartime generation made for our futures,” Deakin says, adding that he hopes readers gain both enjoyment and appreciation from his novel.

About the Author

John Deakin began writing following 32 years of service in the Royal Air Force and 20 years in sports administration. After leaving school at the age of 15, he gained qualifications in adult education, including a Bachelor of Science in sociology. He is married, with two adult children and three grandchildren. Deakin has travelled extensively, particularly in the United States, and lives in South Wales. ‘Torment’ is his first novel.