1989, South London. Jack, an ebullient butcher, has died, and his last orders are to cast his ashes off the Margate Pier. His wife of 50 years, Amy, stays home, with the excuse of a visit to their mentally-disabled daughter. Jack’s three closest friends, Ray, Vic, and Lenny - along with Jack’s son Vince - head for Margate. Each has memories of Jack and of friendships, family, and conflicts. It’s Vince’s relationship with his dad that’s the most complex, and Ray’s long friendship with both Jack and Amy that holds things together. The last orders - to go to Margate and strew the ashes - become an invitation to recall what’s done, what’s left, and what’s important.
1: Nothing can undo the past. 2: What’s the worst thing you ever did?
Plot Summary:
After twelve years in prison, Walter arrives in an unnamed city, moves into a small apartment across the street from an elementary school, gets a job at a lumberyard, and mostly keeps to himself. A quiet, guarded man, Walter finds unexpected solace from Vickie, a tough-talking woman who promises not to judge him for his history. But Walter cannot escape his past. A convicted sex offender, Walter is warily eyed by his brother-in-law, shunned by his sister, lives in fear of being discovered at work, and is hounded by a suspicious local police officer, Detective Lucas. After befriending a young girl in a neighborhood park, Walter must also grapple with the terrible prospect of his own reawakened demons.
