This is a fabulous book for teen readers. It won the Whitbread for Children's novels in 1989, and was also shortlisted for the McVitie's Prize.

Wed 4 Years 81 days from hostilities .... so reads the clock in Central Hall. For Saxon and Gilbert, though, it is just another day in their ritualised indoor existence. Saxon bakes; Gilbert brushes. Together they vist the Irradiated Food Store, guarding against spiders. Among the dusty display cases, however, a far more disturbing creature moves. What is the Brogan ... and why does it weep?

Deftly evoked, the narrative is cleverly constructed and there is a true shock ending. ( )