The Key of the Door - Tony Betts

The Key to the Door by Tony Betts In his first book ‘Wassa Matter Mate, Somebody ‘Itchyer ?’ the author wrote of a World War Two childhood and gave a detailed but light-hearted account of typical contemporary playthings, cul-ture and surroundings - innumerable triggers to remind us all of the nineteen forties. ‘The Key Of The Door’ continues the story through the adolescent years, from grammar school to the first job, the interlude of National Service, with the shock of squarebashing followed by the uproarious life on camp, and then the return to a new job in ‘civvy street’ and receiving ‘the key of the door’ at twenty one. What makes it special is the evocative picture of that era, capturing the dances, pubs, jazz and popular music (exploding forever the myth that there was no teenage music in the post-War pre-Rock and Roll era), the Soho scene, a Paris adventure, jazz clubs and the experiences of an amateur jazz musician, the drinking, smoking and laughter, and the endless quest for true romance. Anecdotal, amusing, entertaining, this is a rich slice of social history, not just for Londoners, but for all who wish to discover or re-live those times.