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Northern Sky
Having been sacked from his university teaching job, Ed has returned to his home town to pick up the threads of his old life with his friends and ex-girlfriend, Jeannie, in the Northern Sky folk music club. His dream is to play with them again, but the club's new owner has ambitions plans that may not involve Ed, and his ex may be less than willing to take him back. This is a funny and touching novel, written with real Northern soul by one of the country's most popular and knowledgeable commentators on music.
- GenresFiction
312 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 8, 2020
The one line I remember from this tale is 'inspirally carpeted hallway'. This shows that the plot, which is about folk music, comes in behind the knowing nods to musicians and bands. A good yarn and a perfect book for a rainy afternoon while 6Music is on the wireless.
August 25, 2018
Things I liked:
The author
The writing style
Things I didn’t like:
The storyline
The main character
The random ending
The author
The writing style
Things I didn’t like:
The storyline
The main character
The random ending
February 20, 2012
Favorite DJ, currently proving my afternoon entertainment on 6 but what can he write like.
Quite well, the git. If you like his radio ramblings, this conversation based novel will appeal. No-one really talks like this but it is funny/clever/entertaining.
Ed Beckinsdale returns to his northern roots after punching his boss in academia. His is living with his mom (providing the comedy with her constant use of the incorrect word) and meeting up with his old pals, who's life revolves around the local folk club.
Cue loads of references to music (Nick Drake), real ale (Black Sheep) and a love triangle between a former girlfriend and a cooler, better more american Ed.
The plot is flimsey and the ending can be seen a mile off but there is enough wit to carry it through. Ed's not the most likeable of characters with a backdrop of violence, accidental violence against women and is a bit too smug for his own good but ultimately, you'd talk to him down the pub.
Nice easy read for those that love norther humour, music and real ale. And to be honest, what else is there?
Quite well, the git. If you like his radio ramblings, this conversation based novel will appeal. No-one really talks like this but it is funny/clever/entertaining.
Ed Beckinsdale returns to his northern roots after punching his boss in academia. His is living with his mom (providing the comedy with her constant use of the incorrect word) and meeting up with his old pals, who's life revolves around the local folk club.
Cue loads of references to music (Nick Drake), real ale (Black Sheep) and a love triangle between a former girlfriend and a cooler, better more american Ed.
The plot is flimsey and the ending can be seen a mile off but there is enough wit to carry it through. Ed's not the most likeable of characters with a backdrop of violence, accidental violence against women and is a bit too smug for his own good but ultimately, you'd talk to him down the pub.
Nice easy read for those that love norther humour, music and real ale. And to be honest, what else is there?
December 21, 2015
A slow starter and not quite as steeped in nods to musical trivia or as edgy as I would expect from Mark. It was more like chic lit which I could see Richard Curtis movie written all over it. It has made 3 stars because a large part of the narrative is centred round a characters desire to emulate the Vashti Bunyan story.
October 11, 2009
A wonderful novel for anyone who has ever played in a band or just loves music.
August 13, 2010
Clumsy and affected. Not without charm, and you can tell what he's reaching for, but this tale of old folk-club friends who fall out for the last time doesn't convince.
December 2, 2010
Look - I know it's not exactly a classic but I love Mark!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews