Local Fires

Local Fires is a collection of short stories by Joshua Jones that explore the lives of people in a small town in South Wales. The stories are interconnected and deal with themes such as love, loss, identity, and the consequences of social and economic inequality. The series is listed for the Dylan Thomas Prize 2024 and is praised for its sharp writing, nuanced characters, and exploration of Welsh culture and society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Parthian Books

Chloe, a talented young woman, participates in the local talent show, driven by her desire for fame, fortune, and a chance to escape her small town. Meanwhile, Angie, Chloe's mother, wakes up hungover on the morning of her fourth wedding day, facing the challenges of married life and the pressures of family expectations. William, a young man, grapples with his impending autism diagnosis, exploring it through the philosophical lenses of Descartes and the portrayal of autism in Hollywood films. Jimmy, the owner of a fireworks shop, becomes enraged when a rival store opens up in town, causing a conflict between him and his ex-wife, who is troubled by her uncanny resemblance to TV cleaning personality Kim Woodburn.

Local Fires, the debut novel by Joshua Jones, delves into the lives of individuals living in the picturesque town of Llanelli, South Wales. With a sardonic and melancholic tone, the stories are filled with moments of joy and grief, showcasing the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of everyday life. Set against the backdrop of an ex-industrial working-class area, the novel explores themes such as inertia, gender, sexuality, toxic masculinity, and neurodivergence.

Jones masterfully weaves together a series of interconnected tales, each one unique and captivating. The misadventures of the town's inhabitants threaten to spill over into an incendiary finale, highlighting the interconnectedness of their lives and the impact of their choices on each other. Through his keen observation and versatile writing style, Jones has crafted a collection that is both versatile in theme and observation.

Local Fires heralds the emergence of a singular new Welsh literary voice, offering a fresh perspective on the landscape and the people of Wales. The novel's portrayal of the town's characters is authentic and relatable, resonating with readers from all walks of life. With its blazing fires both literal and metaphorical, the book serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Local Fires is a stunning series of interconnected tales that explores the complexities of human relationships, the struggles of everyday life, and the emergence of a new Welsh literary voice. Joshua Jones' writing is masterful, and the novel offers a fresh perspective on the landscape and the people of Wales. This is a must-read for anyone who loves literary fiction and is interested in exploring the depth of human emotions and experiences.

Weight: 184g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913640590