In some ways I can’t blame the old bat. Things have ‘gone missing’ around me all my life. I’ve always known how to slip things into pockets, hide them up my jumper or inside my coat. Gavin told me Gran used to hide things in our prams because no one would ever think to look under a baby blanket. I asked her about it once and she gave me a clip round the ear. Gavin laughed. She never said it wasn’t true though. Because you can’t trust a Pritchard. Everyone knows that.
Is Marcus’s fate decided by his family? Or can he stand up for himself to become the person he really wants to be? Marcus has one brother in borstal and the other working for their dad on their next robbery; because he’s a Pritchard, everyone assumes he’ll follow in their footsteps. When an act of sabotage leads to a terrible event, Marcus obviously gets the blame. Can Marcus’ new friend Emma help him uncover the truth?
Carnegie nominated and recently announced UKLA shortlisted author (for the 2nd time) Lesley Parr is back, this time with a very unique story which is beautifully sensitive and is a truly unforgettable read. Marcus is a protagonist unlike so many others in children’s literature – a child distrustful of anyone and someone defined by his surname (sadly not for the right reasons!). I have worked with so many children who act like the preconceived judgment others have made about them and Lesley has sensitively captured this in Marcus; a mother without maternal instincts, a violent older brother Gavin (even Margaret Thatcher is nicer than him!), another is in borstal and his dad uses him to further the family’s criminal enterprises. From the outset, you realise Marcus needs someone to invest in him and care to support his aspirations of being in a band and getting him away from his family. Then, he meets free-spirited Emma and along with the grandfather-figure relationship he develops with Mick, there’s potential for him to escape his toxic home life. Then, something happens at the carnival and Marcus finds himself implicated… You’ll find no spoilers from me here but wow, it really is a story which takes your breath away and shows the importance of believing in others.
You’ll know from my previous reviews of The Valley of Lost Secrets, When The War Came Home (review here!) and Where The River Takes Us (review here!) that I’m a massive fan of Lesley’s work. Her characterisation is exceptional and one of the finest in UK literature – in Fallout, she delivers sensitive moments which may seem unremarkable to many but to Marcus are life-changing (Marcus getting a spare key left me with tears in my eyes or a moment where he spots Emma’s badge on the floor). I love the multi-faceted title – from Mick’s bunker precaution, the Pritchards’ family dynamic, the threat of nuclear war or Marcus’ row with old friend Jezza, Fallout offers so much to the reader. Equally, the ending doesn’t Hollywood-ify Marcus’ prospects but leaves the reader hopeful of what may lie ahead for him.
If you only read one book this year mun then make it Fallout! Don’t be a div – preorder this exceptionally powerful tale of choices, friendship and the ability to change what may seem preordained for us. My favourite Lesley Parr book so far!
Suggested reading age: 10+
Fallout is written by Lesley Parr. It will be published by Bloomsbury on 18th July 2024. You can preorder your copy here.
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