The Trouble with Goats and Sheep

Joanna Cannon's The Trouble with Goats and Sheep

Currently riding high on the paperback best-seller list is The Trouble with Goats and Sheep, an amusing and insightful novel that examines the price people pay to fit in. But is it set in Notts? The Avenue on which the action takes place is a fictional one but there’s a kitchen sink realism to the drama and we know that it takes place in the East Midlands.

The book’s author Joanna Cannon was born in a small Derbyshire town, at the very edge of the Peak District National Park (but if TTWGAS was set there surely it’d be referenced). Cannon went on to study medicine at the University of Leicester so why might it be set in Notts?

The dialogue doesn’t offer many clues but there are several mentions of Brain Clough. One young lad, and would-be footballer, is desperate to be spotted by Cloughie. He was probably the most famous football manager in the country at that time (the hot summer of 76) but he was also the Forest boss so it’s doubtful that Derby or Leicester fans would have been wanting to have been noticed by the Nottingham Forest manager.

Anyway, back to the book, a light read with a dark underbelly. One of the themes is prejudice against difference and it brings to mind the real-life murder case that embroiled retired teacher Christopher Jefferies. The innocent Jefferies was virtually tried by media after being arrested for a murder he didn’t commit. The Sun’s headline was ‘The Strange Mr Jeffries’ and his image (wild hair, angry eyes) was everywhere. In TTWGAS Walter Bishop seems to be similarly judged and misunderstood because of his difference. He, it seems, is a goat. He refuses to believe things because everyone else does just to get along. There are many characters (perhaps too many) and they all seem to live in glass houses from which they throw stones. Cannon, however, understands human behaviour and, when told through the eyes of a ten year old girl, the insight is profound.

Gift Ideas

Christmas Gift Ideas, with a local connection.

Secret Nottingham by Joe and Frank Earp

Nottingham’s unknown history told through its streets and below. Father and son authors Frank and Joe Earp have collected little gems of information about Notts and present many of them here in a book that’s perfect to dip in and out of. Fill your stockings. Link

 

Dawn of the Unread by James Walker et al

The inventive interactive comic, which sees our literary figures return from the grave, is now available as a glossy graphic novel and it’s a sumptuous production. Fit for any coffee table it’s a perfect pressie for anyone with breath in their lungs.  Link

 

Faction is all the rage. These are novels based on a historical figure or events that are woven together with fictitious elements. And we have a couple of belters for you:

Bendigo – the Right Fist of God by Alan Dance and David Field

A novel based on the life of William Thompson, better known as Bendigo. The story follows our sporting legend from the poverty of a Nottingham slum to fame and fortune as champion bare-fist boxer of all England. With many myths doing the rounds this work of fiction incorporated the facts in an authentically set story that goes beyond the fighting years to the drinking, law-breaking and religion that occupied the big man’s retirement. Link 

The Lord of Milan by Robert Nieri

From Mansfield Road to founding AC Milan, this is the story of Herbert Kilpin, a man that lived for his footy and died in obscurity 100 years ago. Finally, his story is being told. Our Lord of Milan, father of Italian football. Link

 

 

Nottingham Festival of Literature

With a programme that’s more eyebrow-raising than eye-catching the Nottingham Festival of Literature is coming to town (Nov 8-13). There is a diversion from many of the usual festival faces, with several international writers making their first appearance in the city. Some of the pricing may seem steep but there’s no doubt that this is a line-up of writers with something to say, rather than something to sell. In this sense it’s a brave programme and one that UNESCO would approve of.

Please spend time reading the programme where I’m sure you’ll find several interesting and inspiring events.

Marty Ross updates Poe

Moggerhanger launch at Five Leaves Bookshop

NWUK Book Festival, Sat Oct 1st

Book Festival, Sat October 1st.

County Hall, West Bridgford, Nottingham

 

10am - 4.30pm

 

Free parking and free admission

 

Talks, Workshops and More.

 

For Writers. For Readers.

 

The D H Lawrence Festival 2016

Thursday 25 August - Sunday 18 September 2016

Celebrate one of the UK’s most controversial authors  - and arguably Notts' greatest writer - with a celebration in and around his hometown of Eastwood.

A programme of talks, exhibitions, readings, special events and workshops will explore the different facets of D.H. Lawrence’s works and personalities. Previous events have seen special exhibitions of some of Lawrence’s rare writings and paintings.

The 2016 festival programme is packed with events celebrating both the life and work of D H Lawrence and the rich heritage and culture of the part of Nottinghamshire where he was born and raised, and which so influenced his work.

Every year there is a huge variety of events on offer including walks, talks, tours, film screenings, concerts, reading groups and more.

Please download a copy of the 2016 D H Lawrence Festivalprogramme for further