Niddrie Boys

by Alex Brown

Poverty, crime, gangsters, bullying, abuse, mental illness, HIV and a drugs epidemic that gripped the area and destroyed so many lives. A gritty real-life story, Niddrie Boys gives a ground-level insight into life on the streets of Niddrie in the east end of Edinburgh. It follows one young boy’s adventures as he grows up in a tough environment where the ever-present threat of violence lurks just around the corner. Seen through the same eyes that could also appreciate lifelong friendships, loyalty and the positive influence of the many strong women whose indomitable spirit inspired hope and love, this book is a reminder to keep striving towards a better future and a better life.

526 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2022

About the author

I write romantic comedies and emotional love stories set in escapist locations and can’t wait to whisk you away to a gorgeous Greek island in the sun in my brand new novel, Bring Me Sunshine, when it’s published on June 6th.

I’ve written 15 bestselling books, including the No.1 Kindle UK bestsellers Cupcakes at Carrington’s and The Secret of Orchard Cottage, and the international No.1 paperback bestsellers A Postcard From Italy and A Postcard From Capri. My novels have been published in 22 countries, hit the number one spot in three countries, been shortlisted for a Romantic Novelists Association award and have sold over a million copies.

I live by the sea on the south coast of England with my family and when I’m not writing or reading, you’ll find me walking on the beach or binge-watching a boxset.

Reviews

[Malcolm Schaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a completely authentic book with no fancy writing ,no made up stories and no attempt to ignore some of the less good deeds of the authors life growing up in Niddrie .Its a story worth reading because of the outcome which is the only part the author is modest about ,namely that he has created a quality business from nothing and more important is notorious now not for the hard man acts of his past but for the continuous good deeds he channels back into the Musselburgh community .No I don’t know him first hand and no I’m not getting any fee for this review but I have seen all the small charitable acts he has done often unpublicised.It shows what human being can achieve and how they can grow out of a cycle of violence and dishonesty .This book shows that path with no cover up and is an important learning read

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book by chance. I’m not a big reader of this type of book but loved it. Being born and lived in Niddrie (for first 4 years of my life) and back living in Edinburgh now for past 25 years I have often wondered where life would have taken me but for my fathers misfortune at losing his job in Leith shipyards and finding another in Uphall/Broxburn in early 70s and moving us out there would have taken me. it made my laugh and feel sad but ultimately glad I read it. Alex, if you ever read my comment- thank you. Great book and it would be brilliant if it was adapted into a drama.

[Susan Powers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rough, raw and fundamentally human, the author’s memoir is mostly entertaining, often contradictory and occasionally eye-rolling. I enjoyed reading about the local history of the area in and around our city from Alex’s perspective.
I applaud anyone who gets it done rather than waiting for perfection and then does it scared. Alex gets my applause for audacity.

[Kamil Lider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got that book from my girlfriend who lives in Niddrie. I’ve heard the stories about this place, but never heard anything from a true, real person from Niddrie. This book just showed me how Niddrie looked like ages ago, I enjoyed every page of this book.