WRITTEN in Holloway jail in based on Pat Arrowsmith's experiences of a 1958 Aldermaston peace camp organised by the Direct Action Committee Against Nuclear War, Jericho has weathered well.
In the words of the author: 'despite the DOOK S old-fashioned features ... all too many of the matters hotly debated by the characters are still argued about today; many the same as those peace are the pickets' goals are tivists are still trying to achieve' Reviewed by Parts of the plot are overblown and unbelievable like camp-organiser Charles's with Ben, a local lout who has ransacked and burned the peace camp, and raped of its inhabitants. After a brief discussion. Ben is not only persuaded to contess nis crimes, bul also to support banning the bondo. and encouraging his fellow apprentices to do Ilkewise.
Despite such dramatic episodes, the relationship between the campers the Aldermaston workers, whom they try to persuade first to quit their jobs and then (more sucessfully) to take industrial action, are used draw out the political conflicts of a nonviolent direct philosophy.
The protagonists still recognisable: Johnson, the councillor torn between personal ambition and his commitment to helping Lne peace campers; Communist ofticials who renege on suD port for a blockade when the line Comes cowa to boycott it because it's outside the political control of the CP.
In her introduction, Pat says that it was clearly written well before the advent of feminism. developed character is itis, Nonetheless, Aldermaston clerical worker.
Her progress - from apathetic unconcern, giving up her job to join Pat Arrowsmith not only ties the story, but younger woman discovering strength self-confidence. In fact, Iris is very much the heroine of the piece in all her stages of political development.