We Need to Talk

In Sudleigh, a market town near the south coast, 2019, a new housing development threatens to ruin the town. Gap-year Tom finds solace in his Chinese house-share, while Frank wants to pass his carpet business to his nephew Josh, killing the boy's dream of becoming a chef. Heather, a phone-sex operator, is determined to become manager of the golf club. Miss Bennett keeps putting her house on the market, while creative writing tutor Tony is struggling to leave his unappreciative girlfriend Lydia. We Need to Talk is a meticulously observed portrait of multi-jobbing, gig-economy Middle England on the eve of Covid, with flashes of wicked comedy.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 272 pages
\n Publication date: 05 July 2021
\n Publisher: Eye Books
\n

In the quaint market town of Sudleigh, nestled near the southern coast, life unfolds amidst a backdrop of both charm and potential turmoil. While it may not be an undesirable place to reside, the impending construction of a new housing development threatens to overshadow its charm. However, most residents are consumed by their own grievances, past hurts, and ongoing struggles, rendering them oblivious to the impending threat. Among this diverse community, there exists a gap-year student named Tom, who finds unexpected solace in his Chinese house-share. Tom's journey is a testament to the transformative power of unexpected connections.

Former lounge musician Frank, driven by a desire to secure his legacy, aims to pass on his carpet business to his nephew Josh, inadvertently crushing the young man's dream of becoming a chef. Frank's decision sparks a series of events that intertwine the lives of these characters.

Sharp-elbowed phone-sex operator Heather, with her unwavering determination, will stop at nothing to secure her position as manager of the golf club. Heather's relentless pursuit of success juxtaposes with Miss Bennett's persistent attempts to sell her house, despite her genuine reluctance to relocate.

As the narrative unfolds, the reader is presented with a intricate jigsaw puzzle of unwitting connections. With flashes of wicked comedy, We Need to Talk offers a captivating portrayal of multi-jobbing, gig-economy Middle England on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic. The finished picture, meticulously observed and infused with moments of dark humor, paints an unflinchingly honest portrait of this unique time and place.

Through the lives of these characters, the novel explores the complexities of human relationships, the pursuit of personal dreams, and the consequences of our actions. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of our own struggles, we are interconnected with others, and our choices can have far-reaching effects on those around us.

We Need to Talk is a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of the human condition, offering a glimpse into the lives of ordinary individuals navigating the challenges of modern life. It is a testament to the power of empathy, understanding, and the ability to connect with others, even in the most unexpected of places.

\n Weight: 220g\n
Dimension: 131 x 197 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781785632389\n \n