After a close shave with a hungry tiger, young Jaffy escapes the slums of London. But his destination is uncertain, in Carol Birch’s magical novel.
In a novel that spans the 20th century, Carol Birch tells the richly poignant story of three generations of a northern working-class family.
Manchester, 1930. Greyhound racing at Belle Vue, the buses going up and down Hyde Road, the siren of Peacock’s foundry going off every night at six. This is home for Nell, little brother Bobby and older step-sister Violet. Nell grows up to work in a factory, where she first hears Harry Caplin play trombone. Harry’s talent will take him far and introduce him to such jazz legends as Louis Armstrong; but not as far as poor feckless Bobby, who finds himself fighting in the jungles of Malaya.
Carol Birch
About the Author
Carol Birch is the author of ten novels, including Scapegallows (2008) and Turn Again Home (2003), which was longlisted for the Booker PrizeOther nominated books by Carol Birch