Purple

Matthew Lavender, starting college in 1969, has embraced a student underworld of drugs, image and cooler than thou. But behind his wild and witty persona lies a shy, sensitive romantic - a 'feeling type' bullied at school and restricted by his parents - who knows absolutely nothing about sex.As Matthew gets involved with fellow-student Sally, the scene shifts to the early 20th century and his grandmother Mary Lavender begins her story.Brought up by an over-controlling father nicknamed 'Jack the Hammer', Mary witnesses her parents' fierce, monosyllabic rows and the long-running battles between Jack and his children. After the defiant exit of Mary's brother and sister, Mary meets Stuart Lavender and a traditional courtship begins, leading to the birth of Matthew's father, Alan.History repeats itself as Alan and Matthew clash and Matthew leaves home. He takes up residence at a commune where he witnesses some supremely laughable examples of 60s free self-expression. From here on he grows and matures through contact with children and a number of deeply-felt and unpredictable love affairs.In the end Matthew returns to the beach where he played as a child with Mary. As the two stories come together, Matthew learns a whole new outlook on youth, relationships and the man he has become.