A cracking collection of short stories, from the author of the stupendous Swimmer.
In the title story of this sharp, clever collection of short stories, an odd-job man arrives home to his Bradford council block to find a message waiting for one of its inhabitants... in ten-foot-high letters. With his white van and set of ladders, he’s the chief suspect. But who is the mysterious Slag that has the whole street gossiping; and who has she hurt?
In Wrestling Jacob, a lusty academic takes out his frustrations down on the farm every weekend, sparring with a fierce, strangely human ram. It’s hard work being beaten up by a sheep, but he soon realizes that his girlfriends love to see him wrestle Jacob...
In The Tale of the Golden Bath-Taps, our man has fallen for the statuesque, untouchable barmaid (and part-time stripper) Chris. But the word on the street is that she has a somewhat overprotective brother; and besides, will they have anything in common?
And in Coddock, there’s a bold new chipshop owner in town. But who is he? And what do you get if you cross a cod with a haddock, anyway?
From the backstreets of Bradford to dingy moorland pubs with ten year-old jukeboxes, Bill Broady’s bright new stories give Yorkshire a lick of new paint, with all of the searingly precise prose, wit and energy of his highly acclaimed first novel, Swimmer.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Take "Wrestling Jacob", the fable which opens the collection with a quotation from St Paul: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities." In this case, however, the narrator is involved in "freestyle grappling with a Swaledale ram". Jacob, "metasheep, laughing wrestler", is the hero of this peculiar but moving story set in the valleys. By contrast, "In This Block There Lives a Slag" takes us to a Bradford Council Estate, to pubs and the dole queue, to "slags" and walls daubed with grafitti.
The story exemplifies the range of Broady's writing from its quasi-surreal conclusion to its bleak vision of lives lived out on the margins--a vision which comes through in his powerful description of the "slags" and their babies "thin and silent, with frightened eyes".
They hated children, I'd noticed, but loved babies ... And then the creatures would begin to speak, using words they'd never taught them, asking questions they couldn't answer. Only blows would shut them up and then not even blows would make them speak again.Running through this collection, the pain of such observation is offset, sometimes even transformed, by the risk and pleasure that Broady is prepared to take in words--risk and pleasure that make him a unique voice in contemporary fiction. --Vicky Lebeau
Praise for Swimmer:
‘A dark, shimmery story, full of damage and wonder’
Elle
‘Echoing the aspirations of its heroine, Broady’s stunning narrative seems to hover in its own distinctive element and, at times, to soar and fly. In prose of poetic precision and poignancy, he touches on the deepest dreams of the human heart.’
Observer
‘A skewed fairy tale, a hymn to water... Broady’s descriptions of swimming are supple, fluid and memorable.’ The Times
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. In this text, Bill Broady follows up the acclaimed "Swimmer" with a collection of short stories which transports the reader from the backstreets of Bradford to dingy moorland pubs with dodgy jukeboxes. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR005470358
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. In This Block There Lives a Slag.: And Other Yorkshire Fables: And Other Bradford Fables This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 7719-9780002259477
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780002259477
Book Description Condition: Very Good. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 40987311-75
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Used; Good. ***Simply Brit*** Welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there is something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality. Seller Inventory # 3059145