Covering themes often left unexplored, The Pearl River delves into the post-war uncertainty of members of the British armed forces and is based on true events taking place between 1948-49. The story is inspired by the real 28 Squadron that operated in Malaya, Singapore and Hong Kong, draws on the intrigue of secret agents acting for the newly formed State of Israel.
The role of the armed forces is becoming increasingly uncertain in the post-war world of 1949, and Flight Lieutenant Adam Devon is considering his future as a Spitfire pilot.
Daring and resourceful, his love of flying keeps him in the skies and from travelling home; when the opportunity for promotion presents itself in a shrinking air force, Devon is pit against the wily Flight Lieutenant Fitzjohn, a man of unscrupulous practices and morals…
His mission in Hong Kong is a dangerous one, and when he meets a beautiful British girl, Hannah, he can feel himself falling for her… Devon and Hannah spend time touring the sights in Hong Kong and love ties them together. But what is the strange secret she carries that stands in the way of their relationship?
Devon’s principles and loyalty are put to the test, in a tale of love, war and intrigue.
Born in London and now living in Essex, Mark Butterworth worked in the City of London for over 30 years, including as a Lloyd’s underwriter. He has travelled widely, in particular the Far East, Australasia, United States and Europe. He held a Private Pilot’s Licence for 15 years, has flown a two-seater Spitfire and made more than 50 parachute jumps. After publishing two non-fiction business books, The Pearl River is his debut novel.
Mark says, “This story covers a period not often seen in books and films, drawing on the post-war uncertainty of members of the British armed forces and the intrigue of secret agents for the newly formed State of Israel and its fledgling Air Force. It also draws on the consequences of Nazi power in Germany and the Jewish Kinderstransport movement. The pull of loyalty to a cause is tested when the attractions of love are interplayed, and my hope is that both readers of military history and social change will relish the book, as will those who enjoy romance.”
