Dulwich North by Bill Douglas

In psychiatric terminology, Apres-coup has an almost whimsical, euphemistic ring to it, concealing a sinister, traumatic condition, brought about by emotional shock, resulting in long term psychological damage. In severe cases, it might cause amnesia, a spontaneous loss of memory, or a repression of a single horrific experience into the subconscious mind. DULWICH NORTH revisits significant experiences in the past life of Dr. Karl Cruddace, which are responsible for the repercussions of tragic events which are played out in the twelve months of his life in 1979. As a child born into the turbulent political world in which the ravages of war were displaced by international depression, resurgent nationalism and the complexities of abdication, Karl Cruddace witnesses the 'suicide' of his stepfather on the platform of North Dulwich station. Years later, seduced by the curious nature of the human mind, Dr Cruddace, headmaster and devoted father, relives the scene triggering a true relevation of his father's death with devastating, far-reaching consequences. During the darkening period between the two world wars, an insidious monarchist cabal, the "Pavanist Order", re-emerges, intent on preserving the institution of monarchism, to rescue it from the abomination of abdication. As its zealous principle could only be sustained with the permanent removal of Wallis Simpson, the mistress of the new king, Edward. Throughtout the story, Karl and his family become tragic victims of circumstances beyond his control. "Dark forces" endure, in a dramatic climax.