Review of Lost in Solway

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 09 Jun 2022, 01:09

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Lost in Solway" by George Fairbrother.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Many novels on time travel have been written over time. Often, the emphasis is on technological advancements in a different era and often introduces the reader to characters forced to adapt quickly, paying little attention to the distress faced. Lost in Solway by George Fairbrother adequately addresses the rollercoaster ride that one would go through if they traveled into the future. So, the book is not only gripping but also uncommon.

It is 1943, and the Second World War is on. The streets of Solway are dark, and there are no road signs on the country lanes for security reasons; for bus drivers, a lot of expertise is required to navigate the narrow roads safely. Sidney Williams, a bus driver, and his conductress Sylvia Bullock, residents of Old Forge Lane, work for a Solway bus transportation company. A bomb dropped on Tramways Parade hits the bus that Sidney was driving, and they find themselves in 2020.

Much has changed between 1943 and 2020, yet for Sidney and Sylvia, only seconds have elapsed. Though several changes have occurred, there are some constants as well. Sidney remembers one place, and though it is difficult to reach there, he arrives at the bus depot. Bernie Butterworth, a descendant of Algy Butterworth, and his son Ben are running the depot. On the night of the accident, Sidney and Sylvia had stepped in for Algy, who had called in sick. How do Bernie and Ben explain the appearance of two out-of-date strangers and a bus destroyed seventy-seven years ago?

The tale spans two different centuries, characterized by distinct circumstances. The author vividly describes every scenario and builds all the characters brilliantly. Consequently, it was easy to identify with their plight. It would be easy to assume the overall situation greatly improves over time, but it may not be true when viewed from the perspective of people like Sidney and Sylvia. Though external threats no longer exist, there is much that the two find unsettling, some symbols inducing fear.

I disliked nothing about the book, so I rate it four out of four. It is a story that every ardent fan of historical fiction will enjoy. You will get as close as you can to a community adapting to times packed with uncertainty and stress due to war; from bomb shelters to nightmares visiting war veterans and black marketeers, George left nothing out. Moreover, the time travel element itself adds more intrigue to the story. I can only hope that the sequel will be forthcoming soon.

******
Lost in Solway
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

EVERLASTING 22 · Post by **EVERLASTING 22** » 09 Jun 2022, 10:29

I've always loved time travel. Also Sylvia and Sidney seem like a really good pair to follow. Oh, and I also loved your review.

WriteOn · Post by **WriteOn** » 09 Jun 2022, 14:06

It would be easy to assume the overall situation greatly improves over time, but it may not be true when viewed from the perspective of people like Sidney and Sylvia. Though external threats no longer exist, there is much that the two find unsettling, some symbols inducing fear.

Wow, Kibetious, you've got me there! You have described the story so well that I really want to read it. The experience of ordinary folks who probably had no concept of time travel - it just happened. I like that I can relate to both time zones. I've heard many reminiscences about the 1940's and the war, I've known a lot of veterans, and I remember 2020. It doesn't seem to be too high tech or science fiction orientated either. I can appreciate that Sydney and Sylvia would find many aspects of 2020 difficult, it must have been a huge culture shock for them.
Thank you.

Waliyat_24 · Post by **Waliyat_24** » 14 Jun 2022, 14:34

I’ve always loved everything about time travel books. And this sounds very interesting. Great review!

Chinenye Achilike · Post by **Chinenye Achilike** » 29 Jun 2022, 12:45

Time travel stories are not my thing, and this one in particular sounds confusing with many twists and turns, so I'll just pass.

Post by **abstactlemon** » 09 Aug 2022, 05:36

I absolutely adore time travel stories. This one is definitely going into the TBR list. Great review.

Kemzy5 · Post by **Kemzy5** » 17 Feb 2023, 13:14

I am always intrigued by time travel stories and can not wait to read this book. Thank you for this lovely review.

Meseret Feleke · Post by **Meseret Feleke** » 16 Dec 2023, 10:26

Fairbrother adequately addresses the rollercoaster ride that one would go through if they traveled into the future. So, the book is not only gripping but also uncommon.

Post by **Joshua Sawders** » 14 May 2024, 07:41

Hey there! This review of "Lost in Solway" by George Fairbrother gives us a great insight into the book. The reviewer mentions that the story is gripping and uncommon, focusing on the distress faced by characters who travel into the future. The setting during World War II and the time travel element adds intrigue to the narrative. The characters are well-developed, and the author successfully portrays their adaptation to the changing times. Overall, it seems like a great read for fans of historical fiction. Can't wait to get my hands on it! Dynamic relationships, felt nuanced and realistic.

Idris Alooma · Post by **Idris Alooma** » 28 Jul 2024, 02:25

Oh, hey there! So, I just read this review about the book "Lost in Solway" by George Fairbrother, and I gotta say, it sounds like a pretty good read, doncha know? The reviewer mentioned that it's a gripping story about time travel, set during World War II. The characters, Sidney and Sylvia, get transported to the year 2020, and they have to navigate all the changes and uncertainties of a different century. The author paints a vivid picture of both time periods and the characters' experiences, which makes it easy to connect with them, you betcha. The reviewer gave it a four out of four rating and mentioned that it's a must-read for fans of historical fiction. I reckon I'll have to give this book a go myself. Anyhoo, hope this comment helps, dontcha know. Take care now! Dynamic characters, felt alive and vibrant.

Ray Thompson · Post by **Ray Thompson** » 05 Sep 2024, 06:36

I liked the way the plot slowly unfolded, keeping me guessing. Some of the side characters could’ve been developed more, but the main storyline was compelling enough to keep me hooked.

Diane C Johnson · Post by **Diane C Johnson** » 23 Jan 2025, 10:54

This book sounds intriguing. I agree with you when you state about other books on time travel that “Often, the emphasis is on technological advancements in a different era and often introduces the reader to characters forced to adapt quickly, paying little attention to the distress faced”. I am a fan of both historical fiction and stories of time travel and the periods covered in this book are ones I would be able to relate to with context. I am adding this one to my “want to read” shelf.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 07 Jun 2025, 10:40

Kibet Hillary wrote: ↑09 Jun 2022, 01:09 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Lost in Solway" by George Fairbrother.]

4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review

Many novels on time travel have been written over time. Often, the emphasis is on technological advancements in a different era and often introduces the reader to characters forced to adapt quickly, paying little attention to the distress faced. Lost in Solway by George Fairbrother adequately addresses the rollercoaster ride that one would go through if they traveled into the future. So, the book is not only gripping but also uncommon.

It is 1943, and the Second World War is on. The streets of Solway are dark, and there are no road signs on the country lanes for security reasons; for bus drivers, a lot of expertise is required to navigate the narrow roads safely. Sidney Williams, a bus driver, and his conductress Sylvia Bullock, residents of Old Forge Lane, work for a Solway bus transportation company. A bomb dropped on Tramways Parade hits the bus that Sidney was driving, and they find themselves in 2020.

Much has changed between 1943 and 2020, yet for Sidney and Sylvia, only seconds have elapsed. Though several changes have occurred, there are some constants as well. Sidney remembers one place, and though it is difficult to reach there, he arrives at the bus depot. Bernie Butterworth, a descendant of Algy Butterworth, and his son Ben are running the depot. On the night of the accident, Sidney and Sylvia had stepped in for Algy, who had called in sick. How do Bernie and Ben explain the appearance of two out-of-date strangers and a bus destroyed seventy-seven years ago?

The tale spans two different centuries, characterized by distinct circumstances. The author vividly describes every scenario and builds all the characters brilliantly. Consequently, it was easy to identify with their plight. It would be easy to assume the overall situation greatly improves over time, but it may not be true when viewed from the perspective of people like Sidney and Sylvia. Though external threats no longer exist, there is much that the two find unsettling, some symbols inducing fear.

I disliked nothing about the book, so I rate it four out of four. It is a story that every ardent fan of historical fiction will enjoy. You will get as close as you can to a community adapting to times packed with uncertainty and stress due to war; from bomb shelters to nightmares visiting war veterans and black marketeers, George left nothing out. Moreover, the time travel element itself adds more intrigue to the story. I can only hope that the sequel will be forthcoming soon.

******
Lost in Solway
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Your review promises that this story will be a suspense-filled one. I love historical fiction. The time travel from WW2 to present times will add to the suspense and urgency. I am adding this one to my bookshelves.