Fallout

by Lesley Parr

Can Marcus escape the future his parents expect him to have? Or is his fate decided by his family?

A totally gripping read for readers of 10 and over, from the winner of the Wales Children's Book of the Year Award 2023.

You can't choose your family… If you could, Marcus would never have opted to be a Pritchard. With one brother locked up and the other one working with their dad on plans for their next big robbery, they are well-known in their tightknit Welsh community, for all the wrong reasons. When a mysterious act of sabotage lands an old man in hospital, it's no surprise that Marcus gets the blame .Marcus feels trapped. It's as if everyone around him already knows who he is, before he's had a chance to find out for himself. But new girl Emma is different – and not just because she is a peace protester. She wants to get to know him. Is Marcus destined to follow in his father's footsteps or, with Emma's help, can he find a way to trust and be trusted?

An exciting and moving story about questioning your loyalties, from the acclaimed author of The Valley of Lost Secrets. Brilliantly evoking both terrifying tension and simple summer pleasures, this is perfect for readers of 10+ who love Phil Earle, Frank Cottrell-Boyce or Brian Conaghan.

Genres: Friendship, Childrens, Middle Grade, Family, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2024

About the author

Lesley Parr grew up in South Wales and now lives in England with her husband and their rescue cat, Angharad. She shares her time between writing stories, teaching at a primary school and tutoring adults. Apart from books, rugby union is her favourite thing in the world, especially if Wales is winning. Lesley graduated with distinction from Bath Spa University's MA in Writing for Young People. The Valley of Lost Secrets is her first novel.

Reviews

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 3 stars ✰

“Imagine if no one gives me a second chance when I get out.’

The thought makes me feel sick.

​‘Makes no difference, really.’
It does though. Deep down. It hurts more when adults don’t give me a​ chance.”
​
Lesley Parr's latest historical middle grade novel takes place in the summer of 1980 in the small town of Pentre, settled in the Welsh valley. It is the story of ​fourteen-year-old Marcus, a bad kid from a horrible family, and who lives up to their name, despite his efforts of wanting to be better - to rise above the discerning and disapproving eyes of his community. It's enough of a daunting task to try and not cave in to the reprobate and unlawful acts of his family, hoping that one day he can rise above their illegal ​thievery and maybe - just maybe earn a positive image and name for himself. 🥺 'Poor and honest is not my family’s style.' But, with tensions on the rise of political activists warring with the threat of a nuclear war, and the much-needed urge to build bunkers for protection against the fearful, if not impeding ​onslaught, there comes ​that pivotal moment of a life-changing Fallout where Marcus has to decide where his loyalties ​lie - with his family or with his heart - to know when to man up to simply be a man of his own right​. 🫡

“But, one day, I’ll be as good as Weller and then I can get out of here. Be where no one knows me. He’s got I AM NOBODY scratched on his guitar.

That’s how I know I can do it. Because I’m nobody too.”

I love how the cover perfectly captures Marcus' disdain, as well as the historical parts of the story. Having read all of Ms. Parr's previous books, I do like that she chose to show a family dynamic so different from the loving ones she has shown before. And perhaps, that is why it was a bit of a struggle at first to ease into Marcus' narration; hard-core and abrasive, you can tell life has not been kind to him and he's made it a point to be unpleasant in return. But, it also felt authentic and fitting of his character and upbringing. His brother treats him worse than the dirt beneath his feet, his parents are half a step away from landing in the slammer - ignoring him completely, and there really has never been quite anyone to believe in his worth, especially after a vicious fallout with his best friend forever. 😢

Despite the rather harsh way of talking, and the awful treatment he endured from his brother, it is a painstakingly honest approach that the author captures his rage and own guilt and desire to avoid conflict, while still eager to stir up one. 😟 No one has ever treated him kindly or even extended a kind gesture towards him; and when disaster strikes and someone gets hurt, everyone knows who to point their finger at as their unassuming culprit, without even any evidence to support that claim. Hey, what can you do when it's the common belief that 'you can’t trust a Pritchard.' 😔 Until two unlikely people - a strange activist of an outspoken girl, Emma with her passionate slogans campaigning for nuclear disarmament and his elderly neighbor, Mick, who feels safe in the knowledge that his bunker will safeguard him from any attack - teach him the importance of believing in doing the just act to prove that he is above what people's expectations are of what it means to be a Pritchard. ✊🏻🪧

“And I’ll tell you something else, Marcus flaming Pritchard – when someone’s trying to be nice to you, it’s probably best not to be a total git about it.”

You can't help but feel that an injustice has been done to him, so you want him to prove those who so easily played the blame game with him, wrong. The disapproval that seemed cemented against him was so heartbreaking, his own reaction to it, even more so - 'seeing all the names there, of everyone who doesn’t like me, is a bit hard to swallow.' 💔😢💔 He and Emma made an unusual pair, but the way they slowly became friends felt believable. Weird but wise, Emma's snarky personality was a nice contrast to the pessimistic views that Marcus had and how she didn't mind when they riled up against each other, because she believed in him. Her support and trust in him wanted him to change and be there for her, which was nice to say how he respected her trust and views. She was adamant about helping him mind his friendship with Jezza, knowing that not everything is what they seem - despite how cruelly they treated her upon her arrival. 🫂

The small town vibe felt alive; seeing the outcry in the demonstrations, the intensity in which the alarm and distress was rising was another point in history that while I was aware of, it was interesting to see how it could affect even the smallest of communities. It was obvious who was truly behind the mystery of the disastrous incident, but I liked how Marcus and Emma worked together to figure it out. It felt like an adventure, one reminiscent of the Famous Five - although don't mention that to Marcus because he's not a fan 😅 - but since I grew up on it, I enjoyed seeing that part play out. 👌🏻👌🏻 'Because feeling useless is worse than being hated.' That time to plot and think also allowed Marcus' personality to develop and realize how he seemed to have strayed from the righteous path and the good that the world has. It's a sharp portrayal of how family obligation can be overlooked when it comes to seeing the errors of it.

“Because that’s what I needed, I suppose. Other people to help me find the best bits of myself and make them into the main bits.

Suppose I’m not so bad after all.”

Through Marcus' interaction with various characters, I also appreciated how the author was able to navigate many different themes in a workable way that did not feel forced; prevalent to Marcus' life, she touches upon the impact of prison life and how it has affected Marcus' relationship with his older brothers. 😢 She captured how Marcus yearns for a normal family, content even to have a parent that cares enough about him to show interest in him. She portrayed how a community can come to odds over their principles and beliefs, but finds a common ground in exacting justice. 'You’re your own person, Marcus, and you’re a good one.' She showed that as easily as cruel words can tear a friendship apart, as easily it can be a kind gesture to bring them back together. It never felt like one event outweighed the other, allowing it to be an integral coming-of-age moment in Marcus' life that allowed himself to have a second chance. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

The ending, however, was a little too rushed for me; I know it really was in the action of anticipation that made it feel more like it was out of control, but I didn't quite feel that emotional zing upon Marcus' triumph, nor feel quite satisfied in the wake of the aftermath. His feelings may have healed, his name cleared, and his friendship restored, but the family part remained to give me any real closure. 'Life’s not perfect but it’s the best it can be right now.' 🥺 And I really wanted that; as much as I know that it is impossible to hope that his parents would suddenly appreciate him, I still felt a little vacant upon Marcus' own thoughts on their reluctance to change. But, perhaps, in the long run, it is best that he knows where his true worth lies that will help him reach for greater heights and aim to take a chance upon himself to be better than the name of his kin. 🤧

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone has already made up their mind about Marcus Pritchard. He’s no good just like the rest of his family. He’d say that wasn’t true except, Marcus also just got suspended from school and is always getting into fights so maybe they’re right. When Mick Rowlands with the bomb shelter in his back garden trusts him to help with some odd jobs and a girl from school who goes to peaceful protests instead of class sticks up for him too, Marcus isn’t quite sure what to do with people who listen to him and aren’t automatically expecting him to steal stuff off them. He’s sure they’ll change their minds about him if they find out about the jobs he has to do for his family but being around Mick and Emma is kind of nice. Spending time with them makes him start to question if he’d rather make different choices.

This is a beautiful story about choosing your own path and not letting other people decide who you are for you. There is an emotional honesty to the characters, a brilliantly backdrop of a tight-knit Welsh community during the Cold War and there’s Lesley Parr’s signature theme of what can happen when just one person believes in you. Another heartfelt modern classic.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Anna Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fabulous middle fiction read. Short snappy chapters with great character development.

[Alexander Petkovski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fallout was long-listed for the Yoto Carnegies for 2025 and that made me pick it up. Also, I have read another book from this author that I enjoyed. This one was no different, it was a good story with a great message. The main character Marcus had an amazing character development and I absolutely love the very last two sentences of the book. They resonated so deeply with me.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fallout was another Lesley Parr read that I couldn’t put down, but probably suffered somewhat from being read in the same 24-hour period as the impeccable Where the River Takes Us. I found Fallout to be less emotionally resonant, and I am not sure it will stick with me to the same extent. However, as with Parr's other works, Fallout presents a wonderful snippet of a particular period of time in South Wales. The emphasis is definitely on characters rather than plot (although there is still plenty of intrigue to keep the reader engaged). With perhaps the exception of Marcus' family, who occasionally slip into villainous caricature, the reader is treated to a town full of well-fleshed-out and multi-faceted people. I will definitely be reading more Lesley Parr again in the near future.
Thanks to Bloomsbury and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great point of view in a ‘bad family, bad kid’ story.

This reminded me a little of There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom, which told a story from the bully's point of view. Though here, our protagonist isn't a bully himself - his family's reputation and the locals' expectations of him have him seen as a bad kid, or even acting up to their assumptions.

Marcus' parents are always planning thefts, along with his older brother (who seemed to me a lot like Billy Caspar's older brother in Kes). His much-loved other brother is in a youth offender institution after getting involved, against his will. Now Marcus is under pressure to play a larger role in the 'family business'. Though the whole town knows about their family, and wherever he goes Marcus is tainted by their presumptions and wariness.

Though one girl seems to see past this - Emma, taking part in nuclear protests. And Marcus' older neighbour, who has a secret fallout shelter in his garden. They both seem to be willing to give Marcus a chance. Which is what nobody else ever does. Though new loyalties are tested after an explosive incident with serious injuries resulting lays the blame squarely at the innocent Marcus' door.

A wonderful story about friendship, seeing past stereotypes and working out for yourself who you want to be. Marcus and Emma are great characters, his elder brother eminently unlikeable (same as Marcus' mum and dad), and a time setting that feels 80s/90s but isn't explicit, so feels again (like Where the River Takes Us, also by Parr) like the films of my childhood.

Excellent writing. For ages 10 and above.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus’s family live by their own code. Their antisocial values and criminal behaviour alienate Marcus from most of his peers and ensure he has a problematic reputation which is difficult to shift. It seems labels are as ingrained as your role in the family when you’re a Pritchard.

I really enjoyed Fallout. It’s a book about the positive (& negative) aspects of small communities; about identity and how it is shaped and the danger of labels. It’s also about the power of friendship.

Set in a fictional small town in Wales in 1980 when the Cold War threat of nuclear war felt very real. It was the time of Thatcherism, cruel politics and the rise of individualism. Also a time of protest on our streets, in our industries, in our music …on our clothes and badges!

My mum has always said that she was scared to bring my brother and me into the world in the 80s because of the looming threat of nuclear war. People were genuinely worried and were provoked into different reactions like the characters in this book. So as a setting, it’s a tumultuous and charged moment before any action even plays out!

Life in the Pritchard house is pretty grim for Marcus. His father is very bad-natured and violent; the mother is just as complicit: superficial, juvenile and an apologist for awful behaviour. Parr lets us see behind the closed doors. It makes the ignorant behaviour of some people in the community towards Marcus seem even more cruel and unfair.

Elsewhere there is humour and kindness bringing balance to the reading experience but also hope to Marcus’s life and his chances of escape.

Ideal for UKS2+

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me personally, this book spoke to me, being that it was set in the UK in the 1980s. Main character, Marcus, would have been about my age at the time, and the historical background against which the story was set was super familiar to me (although to call it historical slightly freaks me out!!) - the looming threat of nuclear war and the campaign for nuclear disarmament, listening to records, The Jam, one TV in the house, phone boxes...!

Marcus is the youngest of three boys in a notorious criminal family in the valleys of south Wales. His eldest brother is in the local borstal, his middle brother is a real baddie in the story and his parents and uncle are just awful role models!

The locals all expect Marcus to be like the rest of his family, and so he is quite used to living up - or down - to their expectations. But when he meets a new girl in town - Emma - who's parents are considered to be weirdo hippies, he starts to rethink how he sees himself.

And then one of his neighbours is badly injured at the annual carnival and the fingers are all pointing at Marcus.

This is a well-written story, with handy short chapters to keep momentum going. It did take me a little while to get into the story - the historical references and Welsh dialect words do take a bit to get your head around - but it is worth the effort!

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up in a family of criminals in a tightknit community in Wales, Marcus Pritchard feels as though he has already been condemned to a certain way of life by the actions of his relatives. It is tough to make your own way in the world when so many people judge you by the company you keep, even if it is due to your blood ties.

When Emma arrives in town, things are different. She does not seem to view Marcus in the way that others do.

But perhaps it won't matter in the end. Because an old man has ended up in hospital, and Marcus is being blamed for it. Can he find a way to escape his toxic family legacy and live up to the promise that Emma sees in him?

This is a moving story about the struggle to be seen for who you are, rather than the person that people who don't know you well have nevertheless decided that you are. And the realisation that ultimately being true to yourself is the most important form of loyalty that anyone can demonstrate.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good mid-grade story about a boy, Marcus Pritchard, growing up in a bad family in the early 1980s in a small South Wales town, where everyone knows everyone, and no one trusts a Pritchard. But Marcus makes friends with an old man who has a nuclear bunker in his back garden, and then there is this really annoying girl who is into her peace marches and shouty political demonstrations. And through it all, Marcus has to stop blowing stuff up, and wade through the minefield of expectations and somehow discover friendship, and learn who he is.

I loved the setting, the attention to detail and the characters. The story was very well done too. It is not totally original as a story. If you have read a lot of the genre, you can kind of tell who will make friends with whom and who is going to be a problem. But then, most of the intended audience will not have read a lot in the genre, and so this will be fresh and exciting and an enjoyable book. Indeed, I enjoyed it too.

[Andrew Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this historical story. The story is about a boy called Marcus who comes from the local crime family. Marcus is a fairly normal teenager trying to do the right thing, when he is suspended from school, he is taken under the wing of a local man and a girl who is involved in the anti nuclear movement, but when that same local man is injured after an exoplosion, everyone in the village blames him. It is set in 1980, and evokes that time really brilliantly by discreet placement of items from that time such as a Capri car, Green Flash trainers and orange barley water, a drink so foul its should never be bought again. I think its still on sale in supermarkets sadly. Its exciting and thrilling and there are more than a few plot twists but the story kind of lacks emotional depth. I would have liked to have seen more from his horrible brother gavin, and more about Marcus and Emma's relationship to help it along, that said i think the book will probably make the carnegie shortlist.

[Joan Whittaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story by Lesley Parr. Like her previous work, this is set in recent history in Wales, this time during the Cold War. Marcus comes from a “bad” family and often ends up doing “bad” things himself, partly as a reaction to other people’s low expectations of him. But as we follow Marcus’s journey, we come to know the real sensitive soul inside. He gradually gets to know Mick, the old man who lives at the end of his street, and has a nuclear bunker in his garden, and Emma, a girl from school whose whole family protest for peace. With newfound friendship comes some difficult decisions, and ultimately will Marcus follow in his family’s footsteps or forge his own path? Really enjoyed reading this book.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a small Welsh town in 1980 against the backdrop of Cold War and the nuclear threat, Marcus has his own battles. He's a Pritchard, one of a family of well known crooks, and as the youngest it won't be long before he's forced to be more involved in the family's criminal activities. But a chance meeting with a girl who is involved in the anti-nuclear movement and the opportunity to get to know his elderly neighbour a bit better show Marcus that he isn't on his own, and has support for proving to the town that he is more than his parents and brothers. Nicely written, this is a great book for showing that it is possible to stand up for what you believe in and choose your own direction in life. Great characters too.

[Rose Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracking read, just lush mun!

I love all 4 of Lesley Parr's books I've read, two war historical, one from the 70s (and I could remember everything about it!) and this set in 1980 in Wales. I was living in Wales in 1980 myself, so maybe that's why it resonates well. It's very relatable though, and shows modern day kids what life was like 'back then' . I love the little snippets of Welsh words thrown here and there.
As soon as I knew there was a new book by Parr, I knew I had to read it!

[Mrs Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again another amazing book by Lesley. From the very beginning I was just pulled in. It was lovely having a story from the view of the ‘bad child from the bad family’! I was rooting for Marcus the whole way through and beyond pleased with the ending for him.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you are stereotypically known as the family responsible for everything going wrong in your town, there is so much you can do to change your own path. And this is exactly what Marcus did with the help of Mick and Emma.

Determination to be different and a drive to change people’s thoughts of the Pritchard family.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another classic from award-winning Lesley Parr. An engaging book for upper MG / teen readers about friendship, survival and self discovery. As always, I’m blown away (pun intended!) by Lesley Parr’s writing, and I love the 1980 setting and music references. A masterclass in character and story.

[LudmilaM · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Though life of growing up in a family of criminals, yet ultimately hopeful that you don't have to take the same path. Our choice matters and there are always people willing to help out. Sad, but in the end uplifting read.

[ThatBookGal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fallout reminds me so much of the Jacqueline Wilson books I used to devour as a child. It wasn’t afraid to pack a bit of a punch. Loved it.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Lesley.

[Julie]

Loved it. Easy read and I liked how the characters came across. Recommend.

[Felicity Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book and this book does have a meaning. Just because the people who are raising you or around are bad that doesn’t mean your bad

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lesley Parr is my favourite contemporary children’s writer and she has just written another belter!

Fallout is the story of Marcus. He’s the kid from ‘that family’, the ‘Pritchards’ - the family with a reputation. The Pritchards are frankly ‘dodgy’. Marcus’ favourite brother, Carl, got caught and is spending time at ‘The Farm School’ (Borstal!), but this hasn’t deterred the Pritchards and there is a big job coming up. Ignored by his Mother, bullied by his brother, Marcus feels trapped by the family’s reputation and forced into living up to it. At school he is friendless and constantly in trouble. That is until he meets Emma, who is a peace activist and Mick who has built a nuclear bomb shelter. Both of them can see beyond the label. This is 1980s Wales with Woolworths, chocolate mice and The Jam.. and the Cold War..

There are many things which set Lesley’s work apart. She weaves social history seamlessly into her narratives; in this book conjuring up the nervousness of the Cold War years, the music, clothes, language, food of the 1980s. She did this so powerfully I felt the memories came flooding back.

Lesley’s characters always feel familiar..so fully fleshed the remind me of children in my childhood. She paints an all too frequent picture of children who don’t fit in and lose their way without people who believe in them. I felt Marcus’ frustration; with a family like this, how will he ever escape. Lesley’s endings are always thoroughly grounded in realism and I thought she did an exceptional job rounding off this story..

Friendship is always at the heart of her stories, redeeming difficult situations. She is especially skilled in her observation of the particular dynamics of boy/girl friendships and I loved the friendship between Emma and Marcus. The dynamics between a peace activist and the builder of a nuclear bomb shelter were wonderfully imagined.

This is a book which keeps you reading, superbly plotted, edge of the seat..unputdownable!

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this and what it had to say about families and how some children can be tarnished with a reputation that they haven't earnt and getting out from under that shadow can be really hard.

[Claire ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Lesley Parr. Of course it's good.

Set during the Cold War, we follow the story of Marcus Pritchard, a troubled kid whose family are notorious for anti-social behaviour in their small town in Wales... that is, until he meets Mick, his elderly neighbour, and Emma, a local girl and passionate protester for peace, opening him up to different possibilities at life.

Parr absolutely excels at character-driven novels that are accessible for children to understand, exploring what it means to make hard choices, set yourself aside from expectations and fight for something bigger than yourself. Everyone already believes Marcus is a troublemaker and up to no good, prompting him to lash out and incidentally confirm their beliefs even more. It's a vicious cycle beautifully illustrated and discussed with suitable nuance. Marcus, Mick and Emma build a wonderfully wholesome friendship together.

I would've liked to have seen more of Marcus' relationship with his parents, if anything, because even though his older brother is already in prison, it would've been more satisfying to see how their parents contributed to their poor reputation.

WILL I READ MORE BY THIS AUTHOR? Yes. Is this even a real question?

Advanced copy received from Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review. This title releases on the 18th July 2024.

LAST REVIEW

THE VALLEY OF LOST SECRETS ★★★★★
WHEN THE WAR CAME HOME ★★★★☆
WHERE THE RIVER TAKES US ★★★★★

[Bookgirl888 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, what a story! I read it in one day (thank goodness for motorway traffic!) and I think it's one of those that will stay with me for a day or two.

Marcus has an 'interesting' life at home and wants nothing to do with how his family make money. But he always gets dragged into it. Until he meets Emma and she makes him re-evaluate his life. He starts to make friends and then realises what he wants out of life, and it's not his family. Is it too late to change? Can he change with most of the village against him?
This is an absolutely amazing story and I was in tears at the end.