Peter Wood

1983 I pulled my collar up against the stinging wind and blew warm, condensed air onto my hands, rubbing them against my thighs. It was as cold as a witch’s titties, and I was annoyed for not wearing gloves. Winter in London had crept in, and like a long journey across oceans, never seemed to offer much respite. Once it had its grip, it was not one to let go. The nights grew longer and the days flat, grey, and bleak. For weeks the sky was choked with low hanging clouds, pressing close to th

London, 1987 They had gathered in the park to commemorate my death — or rather, my life. Don’t you just love it when you’re the centre of attention? Even when it means dying to achieve it. Joking aside, it’s gratifying to know that people still love you, foibles, and all, even after we have departed this good Earth. I think it’s arguable whether their memories are, how can I put it — economical with the truth? But who am I to argue? I’ll let you decide on that! I’ve often wondered whether

Yes Mawgrim. The story is about a London gripped with AIDS but also clothed in a hedonistic 80s culture!

Thank you James. Very valid points and much more to come. Hopefully it will fall into place over the next few chapters (all based in London). Peter

ONE Philadelphia, 1986 Death finally came for me shortly after midnight one miserable December night. I thought I was ready for it, but it arrived suddenly, not like a thief, sneaking up on me, but bold and angry, like a vandal intent on smashing its way through my defences. Death, the filthy hooligan, grubby and unwashed, leaving its soiled mark over the sheets and on my bruised skin. As I lay in my childhood bed at home in Philadelphia, attended by my weeping mother and the private

CARNIVOROUS BUTTERFLIES In 1983 a group of youngsters from different backgrounds navigate a London that is exciting as it is dark and dangerous. Todd, Julian & Hannah form an unlikely friendship, bonded by the hardships of Thatcher’s Britain & the panic from a new virus that is decimating the young gay men. Set in a time when recession bites into most people’s lives, trying to make a living becomes a daily battle for many people. Skinhead, punk, New Romantic & yuppie resonates throughout the book. This is a gritty story about friendship & love, where not everyone gets out alive.