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When he was in prison, Becka White’s dad wrote an unpublished novel.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
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
“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.
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
Mark Gatiss, the boy that Dr Who books made
The League of Gentlemen star and creator of Bookish on his work, snobbery in the arts, and advice for working-class writers.
Akan: A New Space for Diverse Writers
Led by June Sarpong, a new imprint is making publishing more inclusive.
Jenny Knight’s in Ascendence
The award-winning working-class writer’s debut novel treats female desire and relationships with incredible honesty and originality. We caught up with her to talk sex, ambition – and the solace of gardening.
Extract: Wild Moon Rising by Jenny Knight
He was the son of a surgeon; as far from her council-house league as her touching the top of the netball ring. Yet it became evident, fast, the magnet pulled both ways.
The Gift
The bus was empty but for one passenger who sat halfway down the seats on the lower deck. The woman was the man’s wife and the boy’s mother and she was leaving.
Beat the Sick
The Government’s Welfare Bill isn’t about disability. It’s about turning the sick into scapegoats for the UK’s financial failures.
When Girls Fight
When the lasses piled in in Noughties Scarborough, the motives were not always what they seemed.
I’m a Leaseholder Get Me Out of Here!
Buying a council house is supposed to give working-class people the rights and privileges of middle-class homeowners. But it doesn’t.
Don’t Kill Count Crabula!
For my Punjabi-Malaysian family, preparing food was an act of love. Although that love did not extend to crustaceans.
Tracksuits and Me
I still love them, but in Tesco they can bring no end of trouble.
In Search of The Perfect Mushroom Omelette
When she’s better, I’m finally going to make one for my mum.
Working Class? Congratulations, you’re a fashion accessory
In Wales, Nigel Farage is using nostalgia, work and class as weapons.
