OLD FILTH

"Old Filth" by Jane Gardam is a brilliant book, with a title and jacket that misleads one into thinking it will be about corrupt modern life.

Instead it is the memory of the elderly, Sir Edward Feathers, of his life as a Raj orphan, international lawyer and judge.

If this fictional story seems appallingly too realistic in places, it may be due to the author's knowledge of Rudyard Kipling's Autobiography and friends who were Raj orphans or involved in wartime convoys.

The central character, Edward (aka "Teddy" or "Fevvers") endures and survives, not only World War II, but a childhood marked by abuse and neglect to become an esteemed judge. The title of the book is taken from Eddie's reference to himself as Failed in London, Try Hong Kong (Filth).

I picked up the book to read again as one of my favourites. Jumping into the narrative is like embracing an old friend. Despite the many painful memories of Old Filth, the writing is so beautiful, moving and humorous that the story is encouraging and uplifting. You want to meet Old Filth and in fact suspect that his character lies behind the faces of many elderly folk edging their way around horrendously hectic modern life.

Like the gentleman I saw today in black blazer and medals, collecting for the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH). As their Order states, their purpose is "to help fellow comrades in need, either financially or physically and to remember all servicemen who have answered the Sunset Call, both in war and peace time".

My daughter asked "What is that mom?" But she knows that her great-grandfather fought in the First and Second World Wars. Do generations forget so soon the freedoms bought at so high a price? Read "Old Filth" and remember.