Tales of the Suburbs

Growing up in the Black Country, Jamie dreams of escaping to a magical metropolis. He experiences the flush of first love with Billy and the rush of the big city, but will he return to Welston or risk everything on a new life in London? These stories are for everyone who has ever decided to be the person they are meant to be.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 02 May 2023
Publisher: Inkandescent

Growing up in the Black Country, Jamie's childhood was marked by the oppressive policies of Margaret Thatcher. Despite the challenges of his hometown, he harbored a deep longing to escape to a magical metropolis, where he could immerse himself in the fantastical world of his beloved Smash Hits magazines. However, life in his hometown was far from dull. Jamies's life was filled with colorful characters, including his mother, Gloria, who was the undisputed queen of one-liners and carried off her mohair cardies with the grace of a television landlady.

We journey with Jamie through his secondary school years, teenage troubles, and his eventual departure for art school. There, he experiences the exhilaration of first love with Billy and the rush of the big city. But as he contemplates his future, the question arises: will he return to the familiarity of Welston, or take a risk and venture into a new life in London?

These captivating stories of self-discovery, set against the vibrant social backdrop of the 80s and 90s, resonate with anyone who has ever dared to be the person they were meant to be. With its vivid characters, witty dialogue, and poignant observations, "Smash Hits and Mohair Cardies" offers a delightful and relatable glimpse into the lives of ordinary individuals who find themselves on extraordinary journeys.

Weight: 166g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912620241