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Nigel Balchin Books

    Originally trained as an industrial psychologist, Nigel Balchin first gained critical acclaim as a novelist during the Second World War. His novels often draw upon his experiences from wartime employment and government service, leading the Guardian to anoint him "the novelist of men at work." Balchin's distinctive style masterfully captures the complexities of human nature and professional life. His evocative narratives offer profound insights into the motivations and challenges faced by individuals in demanding circumstances.

    The Small Back Room
    Darkness Falls from the Air
    A Way Through the Wood
    In the Absence of Mrs Petersen
    Mine Own Executioner
    Seen Dimly Before Dawn

    • Seen Dimly Before Dawn

      • 240 pages
      • 9 hours of reading
      4.8(4)Add rating

      Walter Parrish is fifteen, handsome, athletic and highly intelligent. But his head is also stuffed full of ideas gleaned from romantic poetry and so, when he spends the summer on his uncle Patrick's fruit farm, it is perhaps not surprising that he quickly becomes besotted with Patrick's bewitching partner, Leonie. And when Leonie reveals that she is not married to Patrick, but is only his mistress, Walter realizes that his hopeless passion may not be quite as hopeless as he first thought. So he embarks upon a scheme to prise Leonie away from Patrick, only to discover that Leonie is playing a much deadlier game, one that could have life-changing consequences for both her and Walter. Set in the glorious Kent countryside in high summer, and told with all Nigel Balchin's consummate skill as a storyteller, Seen Dimly Before Dawn is a richly enjoyable novel about adolescence, love, loss and the vast gulf that separates a child's view of the world from an adult's. Praise for Seen Dimly Before Dawn: 'the story pounds along eagerly with all senses alert' - New Statesman 'excellent' - Sunday Times 'thoroughly readable and consistently entertaining' - The Times

      Seen Dimly Before Dawn

    • In the Absence of Mrs Petersen

      • 250 pages
      • 9 hours of reading
      3.7(3)Add rating

      Set against the backdrop of Yugoslavia, the story follows Katherina Feldic, a young and attractive typist whose beauty captivates those around her. As she navigates the complexities of desire and societal expectations, her character embodies the struggles and aspirations of her time. The narrative explores themes of identity, longing, and the impact of external perceptions on personal choices, painting a vivid picture of a woman's journey in a tumultuous environment.

      In the Absence of Mrs Petersen

    • A Way Through the Wood

      • 288 pages
      • 11 hours of reading
      3.4(5)Add rating

      A psychological study of marriage, loyalty and justice, A WAY THROUGH THE WOOD is a remarkable post-war novel.

      A Way Through the Wood

    • The Small Back Room

      • 192 pages
      • 7 hours of reading
      3.7(154)Add rating

      A twentieth century classic about the politics of weapons research and the horror of their actual use.

      The Small Back Room

    • The Anatomy Of Villainy

      • 272 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      This collection focuses on republishing classic works from the early 1900s and before, which have become rare and costly. The editions are designed to be affordable while maintaining high quality, featuring the original text and artwork to preserve the authenticity of these timeless pieces.

      The Anatomy Of Villainy