5/5 Julian Maclaren-Ross' darkly comic semi-autobiographical love story about the low life of a struggling salesman in a seaside town. With the shadow of war looming, Richard Fanshawe is eking out an existence selling Sucko vacuum cleaners. He's working for the dubious "Smiler" Barnes. He's looking after his friend Roper's wife Sukie, while Roper is away. They have fallen in love and started a passionate affair. First published in 1947.

Abridged by Lauris Morgan-Griffiths
Reader: Carl Prekopp
Producer: Beth O'Dea

Music: The Touch Of Your Lips by Hildegarde. Show less