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".
Strike action at Lancaster and Morecambe College called off after pay deal reached
Lancaster’s Highest Point music festival won’t return in 2026
Boy, 6, airlifted to hospital after emergency services called to Lancaster leisure centre
Lancaster city centre pub to relaunch as Irish bar
Annual visitor numbers to Lancaster and Morecambe District rise again
Eric flower beds help bring silver success to Morecambe
Figures show festive trading boost for Lancaster city centre
Lancaster's pioneering zip wire and bunjee tower removed after decline in use
Chinese New Year celebrations to return to Lancaster
Plans for up to 90 new homes in Lancaster field revealed
Cafe and shop demolition at Lancaster park given green light
'Shocking' number of arrests as Lancashire police reveal extent of crackdown on drink driving
Lancaster pensioner beaten unconscious by gang of youths in Lancaster
Popular steampunk festival to return to Morecambe with pirate theme
Plan for new flood defence wall at Eden Project Morecambe
Crews tackle fires in Lancaster and Morecambe
Award-winning coffee shop team open new sandwich shop in Lancaster
Owners of Lancaster cocktail bar to take over city centre pub
Lancaster and Morecambe MPs back new government Road Safety Strategy
Landlords’ forum will tackle Renters Rights Act and waste rules
