" My father was a little frightening – a huge man, six foot four – and he looked like God. He was always a visitor, as far as I was concerned, because my parents separated when I was nine. We only became friends when he was old and began to shrink. During the war, he was a BBC war correspondent and did some extraordinary broadcasts. "
- Jennifer Johnston

The quote describes a man's imposing presence and his relationship with his daughter. He was tall and intimidating, standing at six feet four inches, and had an air of authority about him due to his work as a BBC war correspondent during World War II. His broadcasts were remarkable and contributed significantly to people’s understanding of the war. However, because he separated from the speaker's mother when she was nine years old, their relationship remained distant until later in life when they began to form a friendship.

On a deeper level, this quote reflects on complex family dynamics shaped by significant personal history and time. The father figure described is not just physically imposing but also carries an aura of authority due to his professional achievements. His separation from the speaker’s mother during her childhood created a sense of estrangement between them. However, with age and changes in their individual circumstances, they were able to bridge this gap and develop a more amicable relationship. This transformation illustrates how time and life experiences can reshape familial bonds and personal perceptions.

Jennifer Johnston is an Irish author known for her novels that explore themes of history, family relationships, and personal identity. Her works often delve into the complexities of human connections and societal changes over different periods.