Digbeth Stories

by Garrie Fletcher (Editor), Peter Haynes (Editor), Nigel Proctor (Editor)

Social commentary and wry observation. In 27 new pieces of writing - some truthful, some twisted, some heartfelt, some heart-breaking - we experience first-hand this unique urban quarter of Birmingham (UK) and the countless lives it has touched.

'An outstanding collection.' Jonathan Coe

'Readers will enjoy these brand new Digbeth voices.' Stephen Knight

'A lively, inventive gifted diversity of stories!' Jim Crace

233 pages, Paperback

Published July 19, 2023

Reviews

[Dan Eccleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great local book with some fantastic short stories ! Knowing the area really helps as you can really immerse yourself in the descriptions of the various areas

DIGBETH HAS A RIVER ?!?!? Who knew !

I do ,

Now !

Give it a read for sure if your from Birmingham , give it a read anyway and then visit !

[Avril Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting set of short stories based around Digbeth, a place I’ve come to know from working there. The stories seem to be more poignant when you know the place they’re based around. Digbeth itself becomes a character in most of the stories. If you know Digbeth it’s worth dipping in and out of these

[Garrie Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding collection of new writing from established and new writers focusing on Birmingham’s creative and industrial heart. Don’t just take my word for it.

‘An outstanding collection’ Jonathan Coe

‘A lively, inventive gifted diversity of stories!’ Jim Crace

‘A raw and characterful collection.’ Tariq Goddard

‘Readers will enjoy these brand new Digbeth voices.’ Stephen Knight

‘Here is urban glory. A truly great and gritty read.’ Emma Purshouse

I am biased as I, along with Peter Haynes and Nigel Proctor, edited this beauty.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable book with a great range of short stories. Lots of interesting characters too that really bring the streets of Digbeth to life.

[Franco · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an eclectic mix of short stories based around the area of Digbeth in Central Birmingham.

It has been written and produced by local writers and entrepreneurs and printed by Floodgate Press, set up specifically to put Birmingham and West Midlands writers "on the map".

They also published "Fire Damage" by Nigel Proctor, (who is one of the editors in this collection) See my previous review of that title.

I was interested to read it as I lived and worked in Birmingham for over 30 years, starting out in Digbeth. Many of the stories resonated with me when they were related to specific places and people in the area. One or two pieces I found difficult to relate to.

If you know Birmingham and in particular Digbeth, I would recommend it. I think however, although some pieces can standalone, if you did not have that background it would not be so interesting.

The standout pieces for me were: "Round Here" by Alan Beard, "Pavement Chalk" by Joel Blackledge and the opening piece "River Rea" by Rachel Sambrooks.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got to be 5 stars: I'm in it.

[Akim Aalou]

Nice collection. It's a shame I didn't read it in Digbeth.