The Boston Globe

Books

Boston.com

Book Review

‘Wish You Were Here’ by Graham Swift

The book traces the decline of British farm family in a post-9/11 world.

By Michael Patrick Brady

 |  Globe Corespondent  

  April 18, 2012

“When you shine a torch at night,” writes British novelist Graham Swift, “it lights your way, but makes the surrounding darkness several times darker.” In his latest book, “Wish You Were Here,” the Booker Prize winning author illuminates the life of a sullen, Devonshire farm boy struggling to endure stark, personal tragedies amid the encroaching pall of family history, rural decay, and the global war on terrorism.

Stay with the story. Get full access to BostonGlobe.com for just 99¢

Unlimited access to BostonGlobe.com for only 99¢ for the first 4 weeks. You can cancel at any time.

  • The FULL story all day: Enjoy all of the high-quality, in-depth journalism in the print edition of the Boston Globe — plus breaking news that's updated 24/7.
  • A truly reader-friendly format: It's online news that looks and reads just like the newspaper — uncluttered, uninterrupted.
  • Breakthrough technology: The responsive design automatically adapts content so it always reads perfectly on the digital device of your choice.
Get started today

Free access for home delivery subscribers.

Just need to link your home delivery account; one easy step.

Link my home delivery account

BostonGlobe.comSubscriber Log In

Contact us for help