Description
Book SynopsisBrixton, twenty years after the race riots. Teenager Dennis Huggins drifts into the easy, dangerous life of the shotta - or drug dealer - and discovers that, hard as the struggle for respect on the streets is, the struggle for love is harder still. At least Dennis has involved parents looking out for him; too many of his friends drift through life with no positive influences or moral code; their only 'family' their fellow dealers. Wheatle brilliantly evokes the temptations of the thug life for young black men growing up in London's 'Dirty South' - this is a fast, compelling novel that offers no easy answers, but refuses to shy away from asking the difficult questions.
Trade ReviewA slice of black South London that is authentic, witty and gritty. * The Times *
Alex Wheatle writes from a place of honesty and passion with the full knowledge and understanding that change can only happen through words and actions. * Steve McQueen *
Refreshing... empowered with a blistering narrative voice, filled with the anger and desperation of marginalised youth... Wheatle is a sharp-eyed observer * Guardian *
Alex Wheatle is an inspirer. He sheds light in dark places so that we might see the unseen and hear the unheard. He is a vital writer. He is a prince among men. Long may he reign. * Lemn Sissay *
A thoughtful novel. Part love story, part social commentary. * New Nation *
