"This is a very thought-provoking novel, for those on both sides of the nuclear weapon/energy argument, and a highly recommended read."
The Chernobyl Privileges may seem like an odd title for a novel inspired by the devastating nuclear disaster of the 1980s in Chernobyl. But then, this is by no means an ordinary novel. Set in the present day, Anthony Fahey is lucky to be working at Her Majesty's Naval Base Clyde, where Britain's Trident nuclear weapons are kept. His expertise is valued over his complicated personal life and chequered employment history. Anthony's life begins to unravel, following an incident at the naval base. For obvious reasons, due to the nature of the work, he is unable to talk to his wife about the incident, but their marriage is already rocky following the death of her Father, and Anthony having to behave in a secretive manner is not helping. Anthony also believes that he knows better, and is more concerned about the incident than his superiors, so begins to challenge and defy orders, landing him in hot water on more than one occasion. No matter how much Anthony wants to believe that he is not defined by his past, it is inescapable and influences all he does. Back in 1986 Anatolii was just a child living in Ukraine when the nuclear incident took place in Chernobyl. First hand he witnessed the impact of the fallout on the first responders, including his Father. Anatolii didn't much want to leave Ukraine, but he wasn't given a choice, and was enforced into a new life in the UK, and a new identity 'Anthony Fahey'. Anthony believes that he can make a difference in his profession, and prevent something like Chernobyl happening again, but he does not understand that you cannot act against the government. Several chapters are interspersed with letters from Anatolii/Anthony's sister, and these are where we really get a first-hand view of how those still living in Chernobyl have been affected. This is a very thought-provoking novel, for those on both sides of the nuclear weapon/energy argument, and a highly recommended read.
Vicky Leigh Sayer, A LoveReading Ambassador
| Primary Genre | Modern and Contemporary Fiction |
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A really interesting and eye-opening book.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect from the Chernobyl Privileges. What I got was an intriguing look into the life of a radiation monitor dealing with a nuclear accident at a naval base in Scotland interspersed with snippets from his past life in Chernobyl. I have never read anything quite like this. The descriptions of the lives of the survivors of both incidents were truly haunting and somehow Alex Lockwood manages to make the reader experience the feeling of being shell shocked while at the same time taking us right inside Anthony’s mind.... Read Full Review
It is written extremely well and you can tell that an awful lot of research has gone into this book; a very insightful read that is informative and engaging.
This book moves between two different timelines, the present day and the mid-eighties when the main character Anthony is growing up. It follows the life of Anthony and covers the Chernobyl disaster. It highlights the massive impact that this had on communities at the time and the impact that it continues to have years and years down the line. It is written extremely well and you can tell that an awful lot of research has gone into this book; a very insightful read that is informative and engaging.... Read Full Review
This book is a good read, not surprising it is upsetting at times, well researched and recommended.
I watched on TV first hand when the Chernobyl disaster unfolded in 1986 and knew then the impact would carry on well after our live times. I have watched a lot of factual programmes on this and remember the Ukrainian Club in Bradford helping the children of this terrible disaster. The book tells the story of a Ukrainian Chernobyl survivor who comes to the UK and adopted in the UK. He becomes a nuclear physicist employed in Scotland he is in a naval base. A incident on s nuclear submarine bring the horror of Chernobyl back to him, This is about him facing up to his past and survival.... Read Full Review
