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From the moment Marion first lays eyes on Tom - her best friend's big brother, broad, blond, blue-eyed - she is smitten. And when he comes home from National Service to be a policeman, Marion, a newly qualified teacher, is determined to win him. Unable to acknowledge the signs that something is amiss, she plunges into marriage, sure that her love is enough for both of themFrom the moment Marion first lays eyes on Tom - her best friend's big brother, broad, blond, blue-eyed - she is smitten. And when he comes home from National Service to be a policeman, Marion, a newly qualified teacher, is determined to win him. Unable to acknowledge the signs that something is amiss, she plunges into marriage, sure that her love is enough for both of them...But Tom has another life, another equally overpowering claim on his affections. Patrick, a curator at the Brighton Museum, is also besotted with his policeman, and opens Tom's eyes to a world previously unknown to him. But in an age when those of 'minority status' were condemned by society and the law, it is safer for this policeman to marry his teacher. The two lovers must share him, until one of them breaks and three lives are destroyed.Unfolding through the dual narratives of Marion and Patrick, both writing about the man at the centre of their lives, this beautifully-told, painful, tragic story is revealed.It is a tale of wasted years, misguided love and thwarted hope, of how at a time when the country was on the verge of change so much was still impossible.Bethan Roberts has produced an intense and exquisitely raw yet tender novel, which proves her to be one of our most exciting young writers.

In the captivating novel "My Policeman" by Bethan Roberts, we are transported to the picturesque seaside town of Brighton, England, in the 1950s. The story unfolds through the eyes of three individuals whose lives intertwine in a complex and poignant dance of love, duty, and longing.

At the heart of the narrative is Marion, a young schoolteacher who falls head over heels in love with Tom, a handsome police officer. Their whirlwind romance quickly leads to marriage, and Marion believes she has found the perfect life. However, fate has other plans in store for them.

As the years go by, Marion's idyllic world begins to unravel. She senses a growing distance between herself and Tom, and her suspicions are confirmed when she discovers that he is harboring a secret: he is deeply in love with Patrick, a museum curator.

Caught in a web of conflicting emotions, Marion finds herself torn between her love for Tom and her desire to see him happy. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery, questioning her own identity and her place in the world. Meanwhile, Tom and Patrick navigate the challenges of their forbidden love, facing societal prejudices and the looming threat of legal persecution.

As the story progresses, the characters' lives become increasingly intertwined, and their choices have far-reaching consequences. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships. It delves into the social and cultural attitudes of the time, shedding light on the struggles faced by those who dared to love outside societal norms.

"My Policeman" is a beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that captures the essence of a bygone era. It is a story that stays with you long after you finish reading, leaving you with a profound sense of reflection and empathy for the characters.