A Backward Glance

Martin’s office door was supposed to be shut, because it was a fire door. It was also supposed to be open, because he was a man.

Mr Harper is one of those teachers who hasn’t much time for rules; besides, he has other things on his mind. Overwhelming grief for the death of his wife is tainted by guilt and jealousy, and this easy-going, clever guy is, as the kids say, losing it.

Enter Wendy Mundy, funny name, funny looks, a feisty seventeen year old who knows about loss. This is the one innocent relationship in a world where rumour is easily traded, and teacher-pupil relationships are the object of scrutiny. When the school Classics trip visits a volcanic region, truths will rise to the surface.

A Backward Glance is inspired by the myth of Orpheus. From estuary Essex to the sunshine of Italy, this is a story told with warmth and humour which examines attitudes to risk in a digital age. And gives us all permission to care.