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.
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Spotlight
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.
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
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.
A Guide to The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4 by Sue Townsend
Georgia Poplett’s introduction to the plot, characters and historical background of Sue Townsend’s novel about a young working-class intellectual in 1980s Leicester.
The Working Class Library Episode 4: Lark Rise to Candleford by Flora Thompson
Richard and Claire are joined by novelist Sarah Hall to consider Flora Thompson’s memoir Lark Rise to Candleford.
Latest Posts
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
Extract: Possessions by Davina Quinlivan
“We were all predicted fails or very low grades at GCSE and beyond. Some of my peers were already retaking the first year of their BTEC qualifications or A levels. I was going to do OK, but we all knew we were destined to work nearby at Heathrow Airport or the local warehouses like our parents.”
When We’re Smiling
Do photographs of working-class people have to be sombre, serious and vaguely threatening? Not if Carmina Ripollès is taking the pictures, they don’t. Here’s her show of smiles from the past year to celebrate the season of joy.
How I Ruined a Middle-Class Christmas
Her family scoff sausage rolls, love a bit of tinsel, and open their presents when they get up. His eat tiny amounts of Thorntons, colour-co-ordinate, and – yes, we are in Hell – wait until after dinner. A festive disaster story from Leesa Morris.
The Working Class Library Episode 6: Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
Kevin Barry joins Claire Malcolm, chief executive of New Writing North, and Richard Benson, editor of The Bee, to discuss Frank McCourt’s 1996 memoir Angela’s Ashes.
