A Bad Decade for Good People

A Bad Decade for Good People is a novel that explores grief, sibling love, and political hope in the face of uncertainty. It is a captivating state-of-the-nation tale that asks how to keep loved ones from doing the same when the world feels like it is falling apart.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: Parthian Books

A powerful and moving ode to grief and sibling love, written by the talented Kit de Waal. My Name Is Leon is a beautifully layered story that explores the complexities of human relationships and the resilience of the human spirit.

Sharon Duggal, author of Should We Fall Behind, praises the novel as "highly compelling," describing it as a fascinating exploration of political hope, friendship, difficulty, infatuation, and unrequited desire. Naomi Booth, author of Exit Management, also commends the book, stating that it is a reminder that love, coupled with courage, just might conquer all. Heidi James, author of The Sound Mirror, praises the novel for its deep and profound humanity, leaving the reader heartsore in exactly the right ways. Will Burns, author of The Paper Lantern, describes the book as an ambitious state-of-the-nation debut.

Helen Cullen, author of The Truth Must Dazzle, praises the novel for its beautifully observed portrayal of the spirit of Brighton. Allie Rogers, author of Little Gold, describes the book as unforgettable and stirring, stating that it is an important debut. Alice Ash, author of Paradise Block, praises the novel for its compelling psychological thriller and fast-paced plot, with a meditative heart. Anna Vaught, author of Saving Lucia, praises the novel for resonating with a large, bruised section of the population still fighting for a better future. Glen James Brown, author of Ironopolis, describes the book as a fiercely hopeful novel about family, sexuality, grief, and how we as individuals can rediscover our political agency in the face of continued uncertainty.

Set in Brighton in 2016, the story follows Laurie, a young activist who wears a scar as a mark of pride among her circle of bright young activists. Her conscionable but sensitive brother George should be a part of that circle, until the appearance of enigmatic Spanish migrant Antonio threatens to divert him from his sisters world of marches and moral accountability. As the clouds gather over Brighton and the EU referendum accelerates both Lauries political zeal and Antonios ambiguous desires, George finds himself caught between his loyalty to his sister and his own desires for a different kind of life.

My Name Is Leon is a powerful and moving exploration of grief, sibling love, and the complexities of human relationships. It is a reminder that love, courage, and resilience can conquer even the most difficult circumstances, and that our choices can shape the course of our lives and the world around us.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914595554