I started reading this book as it has been written by the grandfather of two of my children. The subject matter I was quite unfamiliar with and wasn't sure what to expect. By the end of the book I was quite gripped as not only does this book provide an interesting glimpse into how the railways ran during the Second World War, it is also a rather wonderful tale of the working friendship between an engine driver and a passed fireman. The story belongs to two characters, George and Lance, and although the stories themselves are fictional accounts, it's difficult not to get attached to these two characters. The technical language is broken down adequately enough for a non-railway enthusiast to be able to sustain the flow of the narrative and Michael has included a handy glossary of terms to ensure that readers don't get lost in the processes throughout the running of the locomotives. For the railway enthusiast I imagine this book would have plenty in it to revel in.

There are some memorable moments in the book which is an indication of a good story teller, each chapter follows the timeline from 1939 to 1945, and concludes in a one off chapter when British Rail began to take its steam engines off the tracks in the 1960s. The types of locomotives featured are not so much characters in themselves but rather esteemed colleagues (Pardon the pun) of the men who ran them, and we learn about each type of engine through the dialogue of the railway men and what duties they perform in each chapter.

Michael states that there are minor details within the stories that have a basis of truth, and having known the author I am slightly amused at the thought of him hurling snow balls at passing locomotives. I remember as a child wanting to be a train driver, my friend and I used to watch the electric trains. One time when a train pulled up to the platform we raced along and caught the driver's attention, we asked if we could ride with him in the driver's compartment, but he said no. I think that ended the desire but for a short time there we were dead keen on being train drivers.

I think the era of steam still beats strong in the hearts of many, and it is encouraging to find recollections and homages to this particular age of transportation. If you are a railway buff or simply curious to learn about a unique period of history, then Steaming into the Firing Line is a jolly nice light read that will provide both pleasure and substance.