Book Review: We Are Made by John Ludlam

Reviewed by Tomi Alo

A compelling story of espionage across Europe

We Are Made covers the political tension, uncertainties and courage of pre-war London in the late 1930s, all while drawing readers into a suspenseful story of spies and secret missions.

Set in North London, 1938, the story begins with William Hand grieving the loss of his beloved teacher and mentor; he was killed by fascists while fighting for the Republicans in Spain. To William, Cedric was not only a coach, but the steady figure who encouraged him to pursue the classics at university and guided him toward a different kind of future than the one he seemed preconditioned to have. Yet, with his father’s illness and the growing tension sweeping across Europe, William is forced to abandon his academic ambitions and take a job at Lea Albion Metal Tubing Company Limited.

During one of his shifts at the Aircraft Shed, while sorting out shipments, William suspects foul play with the production of certain tubes and believes Cable, the foreman whose presence is as horrible as it is domineering, is behind the sabotage. This little observation soon leads William on a path filled with hidden meetings and dangerous missions.

Author John Ludlam brilliantly creates the tension and the political divide of the late 1930s in We Are Made. He depicts the complex reality of the period not just in the newspaper headlines, but also in the small, simple conversations that happen at the dinner table, in pubs, gatherings or in arguments among old friends. With the Great War still fresh in the memories of those who survived it, the city moved under the constant shadow of fear and uncertainty, especially with the rise of Hitler propaganda in Germany and Mosley’s fascist rallies in Britain. It was hard to feel safe and trust in anyone as friends and family could hold very different beliefs.

We see William in the midst of this divide, especially with his father and Steven, a former school friend and current boss, due to their support of the British Union and fascist views. Through these interactions, Ludlam explores how easily one’s ideology can slip as well as the power other people have on how we view the world around us.

Ludlam introduces his readers to a nice set of well-developed and relatable personalities, most especially with the two protagonists, William and Elizabeth. William’s growth and evolution from the first chapter of the novel to the last is bittersweet. He goes through a lot of hard situations where he is forced to flee. But through these risky missions, William stands strong and brave. He is not hard to like or sympathize with and that is what I loved about his character most.

We Are Made is an intriguing exploration of pre-war London. Historical fiction fans will love this mix of espionage, crime, love, and a little action.

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