On an expanse of sweet-smelling grass at the edge of the Cornwall cliffs, a family gathers on one of the last halcyon days before World War II. It is a scene of proper English country living. But for five unconventional, adolescent cousins--Polly and Walter who are brother and sister; Oliver, who has fought in the Spanish Civil War; the illegitimate, orphaned Sophie; and the beautiful, self-assured Calypso--the camomile lawn becomes a garden of sexual tension and temptation. They play their childhood chase game, the Terror Run, and talk about losing their innocence. When the war comes, it adds a reckless zest to their lives; their games become realities. With death a constant menace and sexual conventions rejected, they couple with abandon and face their private tragedies with legendary British reserve.

This book was left in the Little Free Library. It was released for the 2021 April Showers/May Flowers release challenge.