M.J Boyle was born in the mid 1950s in the North, grew up in the South of England but has spent her adult life in Europe. Her strong ties to her home country and her sincere affection for Britain influenced her career in teaching English as a foreign language.As a university lecturer and Business English teacher she remains an avid observer not only of British society but also of the political landscape in Great Britain.She lives with her family in the South of Germany.
By 2022 an increasing number of Britons were asking themselves “what has gone wrong?”
Great Britain – a nation with an imperial history, a nation of profound innovators, a nation steeped in tradition and pride. The more complex the picture, the more difficult it is to see clearly exactly what the problems are. Solutions are rarely blindingly obvious and yet the seeds of the problems may well be staring us in the eye. Either in the conference room, at the dinner table, or in the mirror.
Here we accompany a typical British family from 1955 to 2022. Their dialogues reveal historical parallels and interesting insights into perceived “Britishness” over this period. Their lives and their beliefs, their travels and experiences, their attitudes, and expectations, expose them for what they are: an average family of the time. For they, and others like them, were weaving the thread into the British flag. The respective comments take us down the path leading to the social and political situation of 2022.
The mirror held before us shows that what Abraham Lincoln once said remains true today: “you’ve got to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was.”
Every single person has the possibility to change what they see in their own mirror, and in society’s mirror. All that is necessary is to acknowledge that needs must.
Empire Close unfolds in a quaint cul-de-sac of six 1950s detached houses in a mid-sized English commuter town, where Ted has always felt part of a close-knit community.
As 1997 dawns, Ted, now retired and wheelchair-bound, reflects on the past 45 years in Empire Close. He fondly remembers a time when a strong British identity was the hallmark of the neighbourhood, a trait he held dear. However, he’s witnessed a gradual transformation that leaves him feeling isolated and nostalgic.
With the death of the last original neighbour, Ted grapples with the reality that he may be the last ‘true’ Brit left. His internal struggle is profound, as he wrestles with his beliefs and identity, yet never fully confronting their deeper implications.
An unexpected turn of events dramatically upsets Ted’s world, challenging him to confront both his past and his future. This journey of self-discovery brings Ted to a pivotal crossroads, where he must reconcile his past actions with their unforeseen impact on his life.
The story navigates the complexities of identity, community, and change, leaving readers to ponder André Malraux’s notion: ‘When man faces destiny, destiny ends and man comes into his own.’ As the narrative unfolds, Ted’s journey towards understanding his destiny and himself takes intriguing turns, leading to a thought-provoking conclusion.
Empire CloseM.J. Boyle succeeds, once again, in taking an inspired look at British society. Empire Close is where Ted (the main character) has spent his ........
The world seen through the eyes of a disabled, wheel-chair bound protagonist recalling his life during the British Empire and post war era; nostalgic for some past “Britishness” amidst a community ........
Spieglein, Spieglein an der Wand hat so gar nichts märchenhaftes, das Geschirr ist zerschlagen, der Spiegel liegt zersplittert vor uns und keine gute Fee ist in Sicht. Aber manchmal bringen Sch ........
As I sit and read the reports coming in about the Covid Inquiry which is currently being held, I can`t help but think about my book “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall”.My aim with the book is to be thought-p ........
A further “Meet the Author” session.In a relaxed setting the ins and outs, and the ups and downs of British society and politics were discussed.Here is an English summary of the review written by Regi ........
English is an embracing language amass of words for every situation and emotion. But then, sometimes even English just doesn`t have the right word for an action, or a feeling. ........
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