A debut novel set in 1980s Morecambe described as 'Quadrophenia meets Romeo and Juliet' is receiving rave reviews.
'Goodbye Morecambe' by MN Stewart tells the love story of disenfranchised teenage skinhead Stanton who meets shy, vulnerable Heather.
It has been written by finance professional Martin Stewart, who grew up in Morecambe.
The book is the first in a a trilogy "where stories are set in a quintessential seaside at the height of its powers but which is also entering the twilight of its innocence".
"I was inspired to write Goodbye Morecambe because I grew up there, worked on its fairground as a teenager and was fascinated by the gang culture of the mid 80s that dominated the town," said Martin.
"I believe that we are not constrained by our past, that there is hope and good in everyone and that anyone can be redeemed given the chance and the right environment.
"This is a fundamental foundation of my story, one that may appear profound but has been portrayed simply, so that by the end we are all rooting for Stanton and Heather, motivated by individually specific but universally felt reasons.
"The story is set over the course of less than a week but that does not remove anything from its layering or texture. In its simplest form It is a love story, but one that is also thrilling. At its most complex, it explores the human condition and its many traits, specifically revenge and jealousy, but also hope and redemption."
Over the course of a few days in the summer of 1985, Stanton and Heather form an unlikely bond, neither realising he is trying to stay ahead of his past, while Heather is trying to run away from hers.
In a cat-and-mouse chase that amounting to life or death, they race desperately to make the last train out of town.
Reviews on Amazon have described 'Goodbye Morecambe' as "gripping, realistic, romantic, down to earth, northern, humoured, grim, gritty", "a gripping, atmospheric journey into 1980s British seaside life, blending the raw realism of the likes of 'This Is England '86' with the rebellious spirit of 'Quadrophenia'" and "the story makes you want to keep reading and the characters are well developed and completely believable".
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