Newcastle is home to thousands of uni students, and those studying English (or just those that enjoy a good book) might be keen to find books set in their student city. Some, such as the Vera series by Ann Cleeves are now well-known television series. But what other books have been written and set in the area, and what can we learn from these Geordie stories?
Boy Parts by Eliza Clark
Boy Parts is the debut novel by Eliza Clark and tells the story of a young woman – Irina – who has been placed on sabbatical from her bar job and begins taking explicit photos of the young men she meets on the streets of Newcastle. It explores the topics of sexuality and gender roles in the 21st century. The gender and power dynamics are turned on their head by the female gaze of the photographer and the male subject; an unusual but definitely needed plot change from the typical ‘male gaze’ novels.
This darkly comic book is moving and eye-opening, and is a definite must-read for anyone wishing to discover more about gender in the modern age.
Another World by Pat Barker
Published in 1998, Another World tells the story of Newcastle schoolteacher Nick and his 101-year-old grandad Geordie who is on his deathbed. Struggling with the effects of PTSD following his presence at the Somme in World War 1, Geordie is convinced he killed his own brother on the battlefield. There is also a Victorian ghost living in Nick’s house, a young girl once suspected of killing her brother, and Gareth- Nick’s stepson – who is suddenly becoming violent towards his baby brother.
The patchwork structure of such events is intriguing as we are linked across time and space by one theme – fratricide. A difficult topic to weave together, the book feels somewhat clunky at times, but is still immersive and a real page-turner. Barker has written extensively about the First World War and the struggles of being a working-class Northerner. I would recommend her other works too.
Snow Angels by Elizabeth Gill
If you like a romance novel with a bit of history thrown in, you might like Snow Angels. Set in the 19th century, in the countryside surrounding Newcastle, Abby Reed is grieving the loss of her mother, but finds comfort in exploring the countryside with Gillan Cunningham, the son of a local merchant. But, when Gill falls in love with his brother’s new wife, Abby throws herself into a love affair that takes her to London and the social scene of the 1800s.
A deeply sad book, the romance is what keeps you reading, and the historical setting is reminiscent of Bridgerton or an Austen novel. A cosy, easy read for a rainy day.
Widdershins by Helen Steadman
Not many people know that the Town Moor – now famous for the Hoppings and many cows – was the site of witch trials and executions over 370 years ago. This book explores the story of local girl Jane Chandler, an apprentice healer, and John Sharpe – a witch finder, and the effects men and judgement have on them both- with dire consequences. The graves of the ‘witches’ can be found in St Andrew’s Church in the city centre, a harrowing reminder of the past. This novel is heartbreaking, but is an unknown story that needs to be told. If you liked Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, you might like this one too.
With such a vast array of themes and genres, books set in Newcastle play host to history, romance and everything in between. Each author provides a different perspective on life in Newcastle, ensuring there is something for everyone.