Pity is marketed as a novel about The Miner’s Strike and when it’s published the media will be analysing its fortieth anniversary. There’s more too to it than that, it’s more of a post-industrial novel. See also its references to being a gay teenager in the 1980’s, then Clause 28, being a closeted gay man in 21st century England, amongst the ruins of Thatcherism/neo-liberalism.
It’s definitely a Yorkshire novel too, with ginnels and snap. However, I would draw attention to its tone and style with multiple POV’s, plus the overriding concept of fantasy versus reality. It’s also an incredibly short book. On reflection though, there is enough here to both intrigue and inspire the left-leaning reader; with a small act of defiance magnified and giving a greater resolution. And as we slide in into election year, that’s important.
It’s published by Canongate on February 8th and my thanks go to them for a preview copy.
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