John Swain Book order

The narrative follows a young boy's challenging journey to adulthood in Leeds, confronting serious issues like mental and sexual abuse, bullying, and racism. Its gritty and insightful portrayal of these topics aims to resonate with today's teenagers, making it particularly relevant for younger audiences. The compelling writing style engages readers, while also serving as an essential resource for educators and caregivers who seek to understand and address the struggles faced by youth today.

Set against the backdrop of South Yorkshire's pit communities, this family saga spans five generations, exploring the North family's tumultuous history marked by disasters, strikes, and reunions. After the death of his wife, Nigel North lives a quiet life in Newcastle until he unexpectedly inherits a significant sum from his late Uncle Albert, a man he never met. This revelation leads him to uncover the mysteries of his family's past, including estrangements linked to the pitmen's strike and the inter-war period, prompting a deep exploration of relationships and legacy.

"A splendid memoir...a tale, at once tragic and beautiful, of love and loss, of coming of age and of witnessing the end of Indochina as the West had known it for more than a century."—Los Angleles Times Book Review. From the writer immortalized in the Academy Award-winning film The Killing Fields.