The Likes of Us
When he was in prison, Becka White’s dad wrote an unpublished novel. Reading it made her think about what they had in common, and why working-class people don’t believe they can be “real” writers.
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Spotlight
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The Politics of Gardening
In the face of social exclusion, taking pride and ownership of where you live, in raising a garden, is an act of resistance.
David Olusoga on Home and Belonging
How the working-class historian learned to reject his rejection
The Working Class Library Episode 7: This Sporting Life by David Storey
David Peace joins Claire Malcolm, Chief Executive of New Writing North, and Richard Benson, editor of The Bee, to discuss David Storey’s classic, controversial 1960 kitchen-sink novel, This Sporting Life.
A Guide to This Sporting Life by David Storey
Georgia Poplett’s introduction to David Storey’s novel and film about a young rugby league star in 1960s Yorkshire, and its place in the Northern Realist and Angry Young Men movements.
A Guide to Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
Siobhan McShane’s introduction to the plot, characters and historical background of Frank McCourt’s working-class memoir of growing up in poverty in Ireland in the 1930s and 1940s.
The Working Class Library Episode 5: The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ by Sue Townsend
Richard and Claire are joined by novelist David Nicholls to consider Sue Townsend’s 1982 novel The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾.
Latest Posts
Write for the Mass Observation Archive
Join this national project with us and have your work archived forever.
The Working Class Library Episode 7: This Sporting Life by David Storey
David Peace joins Claire Malcolm, Chief Executive of New Writing North, and Richard Benson, editor of The Bee, to discuss David Storey’s classic, controversial 1960 kitchen-sink novel, This Sporting Life.
A Guide to This Sporting Life by David Storey
Georgia Poplett’s introduction to David Storey’s novel and film about a young rugby league star in 1960s Yorkshire, and its place in the Northern Realist and Angry Young Men movements.
The Likes of Us
When he was in prison, Becka White’s dad wrote an unpublished novel. Reading it made her think about what they had in common, and why working-class people don’t believe they can be “real” writers.
The Politics of Gardening
In the face of social exclusion, taking pride and ownership of where you live, in raising a garden, is an act of resistance.
David Olusoga on Home and Belonging
How the working-class historian learned to reject his rejection
Sticker Upper
The kid’s poised behind a gate, slammed shut to stop the pins flying in his face. His chin’s sat on top of it anyway, supreme confidence in his reading of the game. Nothing can hurt him here.
Lucy Apps’ Outstanding Debut
Gloria Don’t Speak is the hottest working-class novel of Spring 2026. The East London author told us how she wrote it.
Adelle Stripe’s Olfactory Records
The acclaimed poet and author talks to Richard Benson about her acclaimed memoir Base Notes, the books that shaped her, and the all-important subject of crisp flavours.
“Wuthering Heights” Review: Problems Aren’t Only About Race and Class
The issues with Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights run deeper than its awful casting.
Building My Dream Home in The Sims
Louis Glazzard’s chaotic childhood, was bedevilled by poverty, and a dad who believed he was too punk for a steady job. He found a safe home in a scratched copy of a game bought in a charity shop.
Davina Quinlivan’s Loving Gaze
The Shalimar author’s new memoir explores her working-class childhood and Anglo-Burmese heritage. She talks to Richard Benson about the art of imaginative memoir”, growing up near Heathrow airport, how to be present and what makes modern work rubbish
