The Paper Knife

Frederick Lazenby has, for many years, been a respected citizen in a pleasant Durham town; a resident of repute; a man of principle. But now, with death approaching, he must deal with the past. To gain absolution, Frederick summons his sons. They must hear his life story, one he has concealed for too long. Napoleon's wars; the hated Corn Laws; clerking in a hellish iron works; grinding poverty in a grim Scottish town; the Scottish insurrection - Frederick has lived through it all, and survived. But at what cost? What is his secret? And why is he so obsessed with the paper knife he now clutches? For Frederick, the word 'betrayal' has a special meaning.