It's wuite complicated, but once you get all the facts clear, it's really fascinating! Especially if you know someone who has been through all this. My parents often joke about the ridiculous realia back then ;)
And I haven't heard about this book, I might check it in the local library :)

I've just got an email from a friend who's from York, saying that if I want to, I can have a summer job there in a pub, haha :D