Here Today. “Goon” Tomorrow

Here Today, “Goon” Tomorrow is a compelling memoir of a slice of eighty-six year-old author Frank W Payne’s life, focusing in on his childhood, growing up around the Blitz and being called for national service to the RAF. Written with humour, it balances the darker aspects of the book, ending with a powerfully poignant read. 

We go back to the day Frank was born, the same day as HRM, Queen Elizabeth, and see the world through this youth’s eyes as he tragically loses his father who was just twenty-five. Unfortunately, things go from bad to worse as his mother remarries unhappily. Despite this, Frank recalls his memories of living in South East London during the Blitz, a time full of danger, excitement and incidents. Writing with vivid detail, he recalls even the slightest memory to help you walk the broken streets and cringe at the sound of the siren. 

With more tragedy to come, nevertheless Frank endures and, throughout it all, retains a sly humour that helps lighten the way as we tread his path with him during a part of his life that was at times tragic and at times terrifying, but ultimately a trial by fire.