Not really nostalgic when the people and their problems are still so recognisable – exceptional stories by masters of their art.
“A gun for sale” by Graham Greene. My first reading of this pacy thriller. Set post-war (not sure which) with all the skullduggery of money magnates attempting to provoke war to increase their own profits, there’s a lightweight love thread, characters struggling with their hopes, fears and consciences. And the educated toffs satisfyingly come off worse.
“A looking-glass war” by John le Carre. Smiley makes tantalisingly brief appearances in another post-war story in which old soldiers try to maintain their very long-lost glory, when the right tie was more important than competence. Another lasting insight into the social structures that failed (and some may think, still do).
Both highly recommended.
(ps. Information from HMRC about winter fuel payments at: https://www.pennymelvillebrown.com/update-from-hmrc-winter-fuel-payments/ )