I really didn’t know what I was getting into when I read this, but once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Whether you’re a normal consumer of so-called “gangster” thrillers or not, I think you’ll find something to love in this read.
About the Book
1950s London Crime Thriller with a romantic backstory
How much could you give up for someone you love? Not to have to give up someone you love?
Widow Deborah Coles is suffering a crisis of conscience about moving on with her life. When her 15 year old son, Lewis, finds himself in trouble with the police, she has little choice but to turn to her father in law for support.
Over the course of a weekend, career criminal, Francis Coles, proves an unorthodox educator, as he reveals the heartbreaking love story which has allowed their family to endure.
Reminiscing on his youth in 1950’s London, Francis’s tale is one of Teddy Boy gang fights, rock n roll romance in the dancehalls and daring heists, as he and his two best friends descend into a vicious world of vendetta, revenge and murder. Lewis listens and learns about the high price of survival, about how the trio – whilst maturing towards the prospect of fatherhood – would have their morality tested, and be forced to meet ever increasing stakes in order to protect not only their endeavours but also their relationships.
Deborah and Lewis will each inherit the family secrets, revelations which could reshape the way they look at love, loss and life.
A Rock n Roll Crime Thriller intertwined with 1950s Teddy Boys antics and larceny.
My Thoughts
I’ve only read maybe one or two books before that really touch on gangster life or organized crime, except maybe from the other side – I am a big crime thriller and cozy mystery reader. But, this was really great. It didn’t feel like the mobster/mafia type read. It really gave the feeling of working-class people, doing what they felt they needed to do to survive. In a lot of ways, many crime-based professions seem like that to me, something people fall into because of at least perceived necessity, not really something most people do because they dreamed of being a gang boss as a child. Notice that I say most; obviously, there are exceptions. But this type of literature is great because it absolutely didn’t romanticize it in the same way that other types did. It pointed out the problems in real ways.
I’ll admit, I did question at some points how telling your grandkid about your criminal behavior was supposed to “scare him straight,” but in the end, I realized that the goal was way more nuanced and beautiful than that. I won’t say more, because I’m not in the business of giving spoilers. I’ll say that this story includes beautiful storylines of found family, sacrifice, and the best in humanity right alongside the worst. Those worst bits will make this a very hard read for some, though, so be sure to check the content warnings, because more than one scene is very hard to read!
‘What have I always taught you boys? What’s important ain’t what was done; it’s what you lot are willing to do about it.’
Barley Sugar by Jack Charles
The characters are so well written. Despite there being so many, it’s almost hard to keep up with them; they felt real and distinct. I honestly don’t remember reading a book with so many characters that wasn’t a fantasy book – those tend to have such massive worlds. Despite my being an Anglophile, this one did stretch my knowledge banks a little. I thought Teddy boys were similar to greasers, and I feel that they’re probably more similar than most would admit, but I did some research and was intrigued to learn about some differences. This was a really interesting time to read about, and I really enjoyed the storytelling method, through the eyes of a grandfather trying to impart some wisdom to his grandson. These flashback-type stories have been having their time in the sun lately, and I’ve been enjoying them.
I’m so grateful to the author and to LBT for including me on this tour, and I can’t wait to read more by this author. I’d honestly really love to see more in this world – more of this story even!
Winston and Francis embraced; they clung on, arms shaking, holding fast as children and as men, as old friends who’d together had picked life’s pocket of a little more time. They were their first love, their chosen blood. They were brothers – two lions – both killers and thieves.
Barley Sugar by Jack Charles
Who’s It For?
If you love gangster-type books, I think this one is a no-brainer, but since I’m not really into those, I’m not entirely sure. This one seems pretty different than the few I’ve come across. But, it does have high levels of violence, the criminal perspective, and other aspects of that genre. If you love a good found family and romance, this has some really good examples of those tropes/genres.
Content Warnings: This book contains topics that may disturb some readers, including, but not limited to Sexual Assault (Graphic Depicitions), Racism, Violence, Criminal Activity/Mischief, Organized Crime, Murder, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Loss, Discussions of Abortion, Prison, Adult Language, Adult Situations, and Possibly More.
About the Author
Raised in South West London, by hippie parents still hungover from the 60’s, Jack’s early years were split between travelling Europe alongside his family and kicking footballs inside the cage on the estate he grew up on. He describes his upbringing as a mixture of counterculture ideals and the council-estate-of-mind.
Born in 1981 and a teen during the 90’s, early literary influences included Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting, and London Fields, by Martin Amis. Dropping out of school before taking his exams, Jack bounced around, working menial jobs, expressing himself by creating poetry, music and stories. Inspired by his community, he developed a strong working-class voice, a tone which is prevalent throughout his work.
Jack’s writing opts to explore the souls and sentiments of outlaws and outsiders, examining the mentality of characters on the fringe of society, in the hope that, from their vantage point, his stories can offer a wider perspective of the culture as a whole.
Links
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Barley-Sugar-Approach-Families-Addiction/dp/1917393113
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Barley-Sugar-Approach-Families-Addiction/dp/1917393113
Bookshop UK: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/dark-sun-a-new-approach-to-families-and-addiction-francis-lickerish/7796624?ean=9781917393119
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/224013157-barley-sugar
Author’s Website: https://linktr.ee/authorjackcharles
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Published by Amorina Carlton. Award-winning American author, Amorina Carlton, is currently working on her first novel. You can find more about her published work and works in progress on the home page. She also serves as the PR/Marketing Lead for Ravens and Roses Publishing, and reviews books, mostly by other indie authors, here and on Bookstagram.