Threepence on the Carpet by David Whittet

Musician and puppeteer Tommy Trevilian influences 10-year-old Ollie's life in unimaginable ways, and he is instrumental in helping a young boy find his passion and calling after a rough start. But Tommy’s life is a rollercoaster of ups and downs before and after meeting young Ollie. From leaving New Zealand to take a soul-destroying job in a bank, he risks losing everything when he is swept up in the rise of protests in the 1960s, and he finds his voice as a trailblazing singer-songwriter and meets the love of his life. But when they are separated, through no fault of his own, will Tommy ever see her again? And what does an inheritance of Punch and Judy puppets have to do with Tommy’s life in the future?

An epic book in scope, spanning the roaring 60s, the turbulent 80s, and into the modern day, Threepence on the Carpet follows Tommy’s life and his many obstacles and comebacks, as well as Ollie’s intersecting story. It brings to life the wonder children have had over the generations with a well-done puppet show, the passion of 60s protests and their trailblazing songs, and how individuals influence other people around them - often in wonderful ways they never would have considered.

A story of loss, love, and never giving up hope, Threepence on the Carpet will keep you turning the pages until the heart-warming ending.

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

Audacious Ink