A RETIRED headmaster, whose father was killed in action during the Second World War has relived his own memories of wartime Britain in a new book.
John Trythall’s story, Hotel Boy, was inspired by a point in the war when he moved into a residential hotel in Bognor Regis with his mother when he was just nine years old.
It is now available at a number of major book stores and Mr Trythall, of Bramford, hopes it will be a big seller.
“It is a product of imagination and memory,” said the 82-year-old.
“During the war my father was killed on active service and I went with my mother to live in a residential hotel.
“It was full of strange people, it had quite a mix and so I made a story out of it.
“I have written short stories before and when I retired I had the time to sit down and actually write something of substance.”
The grandfather-of-five’s tale focuses on a boy called Michael, who moves into a seaside hotel with his mother.
It then follows Michael coming to terms with the death of his father and looks at the people he meets in the hotel along the way.
Mr Trythall, who is blind in one eye, was a headmaster in Devon before retiring and moving to the area to be closer to his family.
In the past, he has also written poetry, but he said his new book is one of his proudest achievements.
He added: “It is wonderful to be published – I am very pleased. Writing has given me an interest and it keeps my mind active, which is important.”
The book has been published by Austin Macauley Ltd and Mr Trythall now has plans for two more books.
Have you written a book? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email starletters@archant.co.uk
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