Banned in Ireland when it was first published in 1949, this novel tells the story of a young Irishman, Patrick Moore, who leaves behind the gray stone and green fields of Galway for the bright lights of pre-war London. What he finds in one way is the drabness of the suburbs under the clouds of the approaching war. Yet all of Patrick's senses soon become overwhelmed as he meets with new experiences, and in particular with the new and different women of London.

However, old allegiances and aspirations intervene, adding a further layer to his existence as an Irishman in London, and when he meets up with his old friend Jojo things really begin to get complicated. As the black planes drone overhead and the world holds its breath, Patrick finds it is crisis time for himself, his wife, his friends and his loyalties.

Walter Macken's intention, so memorably realised here, was 'To place the very ordinary against a background of implacable and hopeless idealism.' And so important was this novel to him that he wrote: 'When I die and they carry out an autopsy on me, I hope that they will see 'I Am Alone' engraved on my heart.'