WIDE IS THE WAY is a hilarious novel about a talented, but ultimately flawed engineer, Roy, who rises rapidly in local government in the mythical Borough of Brimley. It s 1970 and the northeast of England is reeling from the rundown of the mines, shipbuilding, and railways. Roy s empathy for the unemployed motivates him to generate jobs through innovative schemes. His popularity rises due to his willingness to lecture on the council s (his) initiatives, and more importantly, achieve their objectives in record time. With a flair for public speaking, he is soon sought after as a speaker, particularly by female institutions, where his energy and passion attract female admirers. He is also asked to lecture on solving cryptic crosswords and finds an almost magical way to seduction.