Dragged Up Proppa: Growing up in Britain’s Forgotten North

Dragged Up Proppa is a memoir of growing up working-class in a forgotten England, by Pip Fallow, who was destined to join his father down the pit but was instead at the back of the dole queue. It explores important issues affecting Britain today, such as levelling-up, the north-south divide, social mobility, and class, and how broken promises of the past impact his village and the politics of today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2024
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Dragged Up Proppa is a captivating memoir that delves into the experiences of growing up working class in a forgotten England. Written with honesty and eloquence, the book offers a poignant glimpse into a time and place that no longer exist, yet remains profoundly relevant to our contemporary world.

Born in a coal-miners cottage in a village near Durham, Pip Fallow was destined to follow in his father's footsteps and work in the mines. However, the closure of his village's mine in the 1980s left him at the back of the dole queue, like many others in his community. This is the story of Pip's journey, of being "dragged up proppa," living by his wits, and traveling the world before finally settling a few miles from where he grew up.

Through his memoir, Pip Fallow sheds light on some of the most pressing issues affecting Britain today. He explores topics such as levelling up and the north-south divide, social mobility and class, and the devastating social upheaval caused by decades of deindustrialization and government neglect. He shows how these issues impact his village and the politics of today, highlighting the broken promises of the past and their ongoing consequences.

Fallow's memoir is not just a classic piece of working-class writing; it is a truly gripping narrative. His story of a lost generation who were prepared for a life that had disappeared by the time they were ready for it, of communities with once strong social ties that have now disintegrated, and a way of living that simply no longer exists in Britain today, is both poignant and powerful.

What sets Dragged Up Proppa apart is its ability to capture the essence of a bygone era while remaining relevant to modern readers. The book offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who faced extraordinary challenges, and their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. It is a testament to the human spirit and the power of storytelling to connect generations and bridge the gaps between different communities.

In conclusion, Dragged Up Proppa is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of working-class life, the impact of social change, and the enduring spirit of resilience in the face of adversity. It is a beautifully written memoir that offers a glimpse into a forgotten England, yet remains deeply relevant to our contemporary world.

Weight: 222g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529051155