Alan Beard je mistr krátkých povídek, který vyniká v zachycování složitých lidských osudů s úspornou elegancí. Jeho psaní se vyznačuje pronikavým pozorováním a schopností nalézt hlubokou poetičnost a krásu v každodenních situacích. Beard dokáže s minimem slov vyjádřit silné emoce a zanechat v čtenáři silný dojem, často s překvapivou dojemností. Je oceňován pro svou schopnost dát hlas těm, kteří mluví jen málo, a pro realistické, lidské zobrazení svých postav.
Birmingham is a writer's city with a long tradition of distinctive literary subcultures. Long-established novelists such as David Lodge and Jim Crace have spent most of their writing lives there, and the city continues to support and inspire a new generation of voices. Bringing together fiction from some of the city's most talented writers, The Book of Birmingham showcases and celebrates original and unusual writing, in all its forms.
'Read this book' Alastair Campbell 'A really wonderful book' Nigella Lawson via Twitter In 1975 Richard Beard was sent away to boarding school. So were Boris Johnson and David Cameron. He didn't enjoy it. But the first and most important lesson was not to let that show. A public school education has long been accepted in Britain as a preparation for leadership, but being separated from your parents at a young age is traumatic. What sort of adult does it mould? Tackling debates about privilege head-on, Sad Little Men reveals what happens when you put a succession of men from boarding schools into positions of influence, including at 10 Downing Street, and asks the question- is this really who we want in charge? 'The most important book I've read this year' Adam Rutherford
Exploring the complexities of human relationships, this collection of short stories delves into the lives of diverse characters navigating love, loss, and self-discovery. Each narrative unfolds on a Thursday night, weaving together moments of vulnerability and connection. The author captures the essence of ordinary experiences, revealing profound insights into the human condition. With a blend of humor and poignancy, these tales invite readers to reflect on their own lives while enjoying the intricacies of storytelling.