His wife's comment is only partly true, but James's life as a farmer and a businessman in Gloucestershire is a far cry from the war-torn streets of Warsaw, where he spent his boyhood as Janek Zagorski.This elegant and insightful novel moves with ease from Poland to post-war London and the English countryside, tracing the difficulties James encounters early in his marriage, his concerns about the English and their apparent lack of 'inner life' and his bravery in making a new start with his wife and daughter.Disaster arrives on his doorstep in Gloucestershire, and further away in Poland, presenting James with his greatest challenge yet. He responds with action, helped by a wonderful circle of friends and by something bigger than any concept of Polish or English identity - something bigger than life itself. Read Rings of Growth, and discover what this miracle ingredient is.Cecil Friedlander was born in Wimbledon, London, in 1924. Whilst he was a schoolmaster he researched for his doctorate in zoology. He has had books published on biology and one on the relationship between the police and the public. His hobbies include oil painting and travelling and camping widely in Europe. He is married and has two children.