Neon Roses: The joyfully queer, uplifting and sexy read of the summer

Eluned Hughes is stuck in 1984 in a valley in south Wales, with the miners' strike ravaging her community and her boyfriend Lloyd bringing up marriage. She meets June, an artist and activist, and imagines a different life for herself, but as her family struggles with the strike, she questions whether she should leave it all behind. Neon Roses is a heartwarming, funny, and filthy queer coming-of-age story with a cracking 80s soundtrack.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2024
Publisher: John Murray Press

Eluned Hughes finds herself stuck in 1984 in a valley in south Wales, amidst a devastating miners' strike, her sister's disappearance with a Thatcherite policeman, and her boyfriend constantly discussing marriage. The constant playing of "99 Red Balloons" on the radio threatens to drive her insane. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when the fundraising group Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners arrives from London, introducing her to June, a charismatic and artistic blonde with a rebellious spirit. June's presence offers Eluned a glimpse of a different life, one filled with creativity and activism. But as her family grapples with the strike's hardships and her relationship with her sister deteriorates, she questions whether leaving everything behind is the right decision.

NEON ROSES is a heartwarming, funny, and slightly filthy queer coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the 1980s. It follows Eluned's journey from the Valleys to the vibrant nightclubs of Cardiff, London, and Manchester. With a captivating 80s soundtrack, the book explores themes of love, identity, and the pursuit of happiness. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community in times of adversity.

Weight: 214g
Dimension: 197 x 129 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399801935