What do you think?
Rate this book
Neon Roses: The joyfully queer, uplifting and sexy read of the summer
'A BIG-HEARTED STORY ABOUT FINDING YOUR FEET AND FOLLOWING YOUR HEART' SARAH WATERS
'JOYFULLY QUEER, FILTHY AND FUN' CHLOE TIMMS
'A HUG AND A SNOG OF A BOOK' SO MAYER
Eluned Hughes is stuck. It's 1984 in a valley in south the miners' strike is ravaging her community; her sister's swanned off with a Thatcherite policeman; and her boyfriend Lloyd keeps bringing up marriage. And if they play '99 Red Balloons' on the radio one more time, she might just lose her mind.
Then the fundraising group Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners comes down from London, and she meets June, a snaggle-toothed blonde in a too-big leather jacket. Suddenly, Eluned isn't stuck any more - she's in freefall.
June's an artist and an activist. With June, Eluned can imagine a completely different life for herself. But as her family struggles with the strike, and her relationship with her sister deteriorates, should she really leave it all behind?
From the Valleys to the nightclubs of Cardiff, London and Manchester, NEON ROSES is a heartwarming, funny and a little bit filthy queer coming-of-age story with a cracking '80s soundtrack.
'JOYFULLY QUEER, FILTHY AND FUN' CHLOE TIMMS
'A HUG AND A SNOG OF A BOOK' SO MAYER
Eluned Hughes is stuck. It's 1984 in a valley in south the miners' strike is ravaging her community; her sister's swanned off with a Thatcherite policeman; and her boyfriend Lloyd keeps bringing up marriage. And if they play '99 Red Balloons' on the radio one more time, she might just lose her mind.
Then the fundraising group Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners comes down from London, and she meets June, a snaggle-toothed blonde in a too-big leather jacket. Suddenly, Eluned isn't stuck any more - she's in freefall.
June's an artist and an activist. With June, Eluned can imagine a completely different life for herself. But as her family struggles with the strike, and her relationship with her sister deteriorates, should she really leave it all behind?
From the Valleys to the nightclubs of Cardiff, London and Manchester, NEON ROSES is a heartwarming, funny and a little bit filthy queer coming-of-age story with a cracking '80s soundtrack.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2023
74 people are currently reading
3140 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
May 18, 2023
A realistic, queer love story and a vibrant portrait of a turbulent era are at the centre of Welsh writer Rachel Dawson’s debut novel. It opens in South Wales in the winter of 1984 at the height of the miners' strike, Eluned is juggling her job in a local shoe shop with picketing and raising money to keep miners and their families fed. Eluned’s dad’s a miner and so is her boyfriend Lloyd who pictures a future together in a two-up, two-down terrace. But Eluned’s not so sure. Then a group from Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) visit from London and Eluned meets June who will change everything.
Dawson’s a skilled storyteller and her narrative compellingly recreates the queer communities and political landscape of Britain in the eighties, following Eluned as she breaks away from her home in the Valleys, first to Cardiff then to Manchester. Dawson features carefully-drawn portraits of gay communities, lesbian bars and squats, gay clubs and bookshops, and the cobbled-together zines that provided a route to finding like-minded people. She also weaves in a convincing account of the personal and political challenges that came with the rise of AIDs, and then prime minister Thatcher’s increasingly homophobic policies as well as the brutal policing that accompanied them. The level of research behind this is clearly extensive, there’s such an impressive amount of detail from music and books to the fashions of the time. Atmospheric and fluid, Dawson’s story is by turns, funny, tender, gritty and irreverent. I’d probably have preferred a slightly less abrupt ending and there are some sections that could stand a trim yet I was never less than completely absorbed.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher John Murray for an ARC
Dawson’s a skilled storyteller and her narrative compellingly recreates the queer communities and political landscape of Britain in the eighties, following Eluned as she breaks away from her home in the Valleys, first to Cardiff then to Manchester. Dawson features carefully-drawn portraits of gay communities, lesbian bars and squats, gay clubs and bookshops, and the cobbled-together zines that provided a route to finding like-minded people. She also weaves in a convincing account of the personal and political challenges that came with the rise of AIDs, and then prime minister Thatcher’s increasingly homophobic policies as well as the brutal policing that accompanied them. The level of research behind this is clearly extensive, there’s such an impressive amount of detail from music and books to the fashions of the time. Atmospheric and fluid, Dawson’s story is by turns, funny, tender, gritty and irreverent. I’d probably have preferred a slightly less abrupt ending and there are some sections that could stand a trim yet I was never less than completely absorbed.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher John Murray for an ARC
March 27, 2024
I’ll be honest. I had to read along in the ebook while I listened to the audiobook until about the 30% mark which is when my ear caught on. The effort was worth it because I absolutely had to hear the characters speak in their world.
Eluned is a young woman living in a small town in Wales in 1984 where most of the men work in the mines and the women grow up to marry them. She’s no different. Lloyd, a miner, is her boyfriend and probably her future husband. Things are complicated because there’s an 8 month long strike that has everyone struggling and tensions high. But people far and wide are trying to help, including a gay and lesbian group based in London. They visit the miners to deliver a generous donation and one of those visitors, June, in the briefest of moments, makes a connection with Eluned. After a quick visit to London for another lgbtq/miner fundraiser, Eluned feels the inevitable pull of wanting to see what the world holds for her beyond her small town.
Neon Roses is a character driven, slice of life story, rich in detail. Eluned is a working class diva, a smoker, a drinker, possesses a crazy good talent for fashion and a diehard passion for music. Her tenacity to keep opening doors to life, to fight bullies, and even her failings are what give color to the book. The narrator, Ffion Aynsley, seals the deal by voicing Eluned’s soulful energy. For any 80’s music fans, Eluned, her sister Mabli, and June name drop everything from pop to punk to r&b which made me very happy. But when one of them buys a Frankie Knuckles (Chicago House Music) record in some small Manchester shop, I officially loved this book.
Eluned is a young woman living in a small town in Wales in 1984 where most of the men work in the mines and the women grow up to marry them. She’s no different. Lloyd, a miner, is her boyfriend and probably her future husband. Things are complicated because there’s an 8 month long strike that has everyone struggling and tensions high. But people far and wide are trying to help, including a gay and lesbian group based in London. They visit the miners to deliver a generous donation and one of those visitors, June, in the briefest of moments, makes a connection with Eluned. After a quick visit to London for another lgbtq/miner fundraiser, Eluned feels the inevitable pull of wanting to see what the world holds for her beyond her small town.
Neon Roses is a character driven, slice of life story, rich in detail. Eluned is a working class diva, a smoker, a drinker, possesses a crazy good talent for fashion and a diehard passion for music. Her tenacity to keep opening doors to life, to fight bullies, and even her failings are what give color to the book. The narrator, Ffion Aynsley, seals the deal by voicing Eluned’s soulful energy. For any 80’s music fans, Eluned, her sister Mabli, and June name drop everything from pop to punk to r&b which made me very happy. But when one of them buys a Frankie Knuckles (Chicago House Music) record in some small Manchester shop, I officially loved this book.
June 24, 2023
Okay but I LOVED this book. Think Pride but from the Welsh point of view, following a girl who quickly realises she’s queer. It’s horny and rife with music and life and there’s such a brilliant grit to it that it feels so real. I loved it!!!
It’s 1984, the miners’ strike is ravaging the community in the South Wales valley that Eluned Hughes lives in. The picket lines are being harassed by the police, including Eluned’s sister’s terrible boyfriend. But when the Lesbian and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) come to visit, Eluned is blown away by June, a snuggle-toothed blonde punk activist and artist who lives in a London squat. And even though Eluned has a long term boyfriend Lloyd, she starts to realise there might be a whole other side to her that she needs to explore.
Touching upon coming out, queer community, toxic queer relationship dynamics and falling in love, Neon Roses follows Eluned from Wales to London, Cardiff and Manchester as she seeks to find herself, and understand her queerness.
I have been carrying this round for the entirety of tour, reading snippets as I find some time and brain to sit down, and it’s been such a brilliant companion especially as I’ve been dotting round wales. It’s a perfect book to read in the sun, so full of life. There’s something deliciously grubby about it too, Dawson doesn’t shy from the blunt descriptions that root this story in the body. And I love Eluned, who is working so much out.
Queers, you’ll love this. I’m glad to have such a Welsh and queer book on my shelf that doesn’t shy away from the harshest parts of the miners strikes. Also acab forever, Graham is the dirt worst.
It’s 1984, the miners’ strike is ravaging the community in the South Wales valley that Eluned Hughes lives in. The picket lines are being harassed by the police, including Eluned’s sister’s terrible boyfriend. But when the Lesbian and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) come to visit, Eluned is blown away by June, a snuggle-toothed blonde punk activist and artist who lives in a London squat. And even though Eluned has a long term boyfriend Lloyd, she starts to realise there might be a whole other side to her that she needs to explore.
Touching upon coming out, queer community, toxic queer relationship dynamics and falling in love, Neon Roses follows Eluned from Wales to London, Cardiff and Manchester as she seeks to find herself, and understand her queerness.
I have been carrying this round for the entirety of tour, reading snippets as I find some time and brain to sit down, and it’s been such a brilliant companion especially as I’ve been dotting round wales. It’s a perfect book to read in the sun, so full of life. There’s something deliciously grubby about it too, Dawson doesn’t shy from the blunt descriptions that root this story in the body. And I love Eluned, who is working so much out.
Queers, you’ll love this. I’m glad to have such a Welsh and queer book on my shelf that doesn’t shy away from the harshest parts of the miners strikes. Also acab forever, Graham is the dirt worst.
May 2, 2023
This is a NetGalley advanced review copy.
I really liked this one. Proudly queer; unashamedly going places told with an authenticity and passion that echoes the 2014 film Pride - it's a socialist book, so naturally, I was always going to like it - but often writing can sometimes lead to hollow themes. Not so with this one - I bought its characters, fell hook line and sinker into its world and it pulled me in and kept me there.
The exploration of the miner's strike and the commentary on the police brutality that follows ensures that it's set in peak Thatcherite era and we get to see Eluneds' discovery in that context. It's not a new ground for LGBTQ+ books to cover; but it's a personal one, Dawson draws from stories that feel familiar to her own benefit. The causal way in which that Eluneds narrates makes her a likeable protagonist; and the core theme about finding yourself really works. The constant 80s pop culture references only reinforce that time and feel - there's a lot of Trainspotting here and the soundtrack will surely be as unique to this book as that film.
It's not a sudden realisation but the slow movement of a gradual process; and I really liked that - life isn't like the movies; there's no one big eureka moment, but a small collection of ones. Aided by its well researched attention to detail and inspiration of a true legacy, Neon Roses should be a must read right up your alley.
I really liked this one. Proudly queer; unashamedly going places told with an authenticity and passion that echoes the 2014 film Pride - it's a socialist book, so naturally, I was always going to like it - but often writing can sometimes lead to hollow themes. Not so with this one - I bought its characters, fell hook line and sinker into its world and it pulled me in and kept me there.
The exploration of the miner's strike and the commentary on the police brutality that follows ensures that it's set in peak Thatcherite era and we get to see Eluneds' discovery in that context. It's not a new ground for LGBTQ+ books to cover; but it's a personal one, Dawson draws from stories that feel familiar to her own benefit. The causal way in which that Eluneds narrates makes her a likeable protagonist; and the core theme about finding yourself really works. The constant 80s pop culture references only reinforce that time and feel - there's a lot of Trainspotting here and the soundtrack will surely be as unique to this book as that film.
It's not a sudden realisation but the slow movement of a gradual process; and I really liked that - life isn't like the movies; there's no one big eureka moment, but a small collection of ones. Aided by its well researched attention to detail and inspiration of a true legacy, Neon Roses should be a must read right up your alley.
March 20, 2024
This book made me realize that a lot of books set my teeth on edge because they feel inauthentic. In the Romance genre, particularly, no one behaves in a way that feels in any way realistic. This feels obvious to say, and I already knew that was true. It's hard to explain exactly how this book managed to show me how something can feel like a good fiction, while also feeling it could reflect reality.
I listened to this on Spotify, which touted it as a "love story" after the title, which made me a bit nervous, but ultimately it was the story of Eluned coming into her own. That's completely my jam! I love a good secondary love story, but I need a primary story which focuses on the main character and their relationship with their self and other non-romantic relationships in their life. The historical setting of the book (Thatcher era) is also of particular interest to me, and the period details felt accurate.
The book wasn't perfect, and I didn't love it as much as I hoped I would at a certain point, but I'm so glad I was able to read it.
I listened to this on Spotify, which touted it as a "love story" after the title, which made me a bit nervous, but ultimately it was the story of Eluned coming into her own. That's completely my jam! I love a good secondary love story, but I need a primary story which focuses on the main character and their relationship with their self and other non-romantic relationships in their life. The historical setting of the book (Thatcher era) is also of particular interest to me, and the period details felt accurate.
The book wasn't perfect, and I didn't love it as much as I hoped I would at a certain point, but I'm so glad I was able to read it.
![Profile Image for s.penkevich [hiatus-will return-miss you all].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1735525095i%2F6431467._UX200_CR0%2C11%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
Want to read
May 31, 2024My favorite find in Wales: A sapphic romance surrounding the events of a coal miner strike--COUNT ME IN!
August 11, 2024
Took a while to get into the swing, but once understood the flow, went with it and loved it. Real evocation of the early ‘80s. Bang on for 5*s then ended almost mid sentence. What’s the point of starting a story and leaving it mid tale? Lazy? Peusdo interlectual? I see it won prizes! Bet the judges didn’t read it properly, get invested and then it just ends. 3*s and say thank you for that!
In retrospect, bit harsh. 4*s.
In retrospect, bit harsh. 4*s.
September 15, 2023
“Lesbianism and individualism don’t mix…we’re part of a wider society, I don’t want to pull the draw bridge up.”
I loved every moment of this, especially how Eluned and June embody their leftist politics in their personal lives, as well as on the picket line/ at the protest. Solidarity forever!
I loved every moment of this, especially how Eluned and June embody their leftist politics in their personal lives, as well as on the picket line/ at the protest. Solidarity forever!
Read
August 1, 2023I loved this. In many ways a comforting read, with familiar stories of solidarity, coming out, finding community. But what I particularly liked was that it doesn't shy away from the very real brutality of Thatcherism and police brutality. Eluned's coarseness and genuineness - from her stubbornness to sneaky selling makeup products - made her feel really vivid as the central character. There's something about the unapologetic working class narrative here that feels really refreshing and comforting in a different way to the nicey nicey coming out stories with mild peril that don't quite map onto (my own) real life! Absolute joy to read.
May 6, 2024
Re-read: nah.
This was a good read. I really enjoyed all the picketing and parts about the miners strikes. Kinda wish it had gone on for longer in the book.
I found I really wasn’t sure where the book was going once the strikes ended. I didn’t like the ending, the book just kind of stopped? It’s like the author just gave up writing. So that was a bit of a let down.
I’m really not sure what to think of Eluned either. I can’t make my mind up if I liked her or not. Her relationship with her sister was almost the main topic in the book but we barely saw any of it? Idk, it just all felt a bit unfinished.
This was a good read. I really enjoyed all the picketing and parts about the miners strikes. Kinda wish it had gone on for longer in the book.
I found I really wasn’t sure where the book was going once the strikes ended. I didn’t like the ending, the book just kind of stopped? It’s like the author just gave up writing. So that was a bit of a let down.
I’m really not sure what to think of Eluned either. I can’t make my mind up if I liked her or not. Her relationship with her sister was almost the main topic in the book but we barely saw any of it? Idk, it just all felt a bit unfinished.
December 22, 2024
feeling weirdly emotional about the characters you’re reading about visiting the same bookstore you did 40 years later is normal right ?
really liked this book and how hopeful it felt despite the bleak situation they were living in, reading about the 80’s always gives me such mixed emotions but this will be a book I’ll remember fondly
really liked this book and how hopeful it felt despite the bleak situation they were living in, reading about the 80’s always gives me such mixed emotions but this will be a book I’ll remember fondly
April 4, 2024
Hmm. What to say about this one. I found so much of this really off-putting. The sex is really grim, and there’s a lot of it. I don’t need every squelchy moment described, you know? And did the author have a checklist of sex acts she was going through, making sure not to miss a single one?
The main character was just kind of selfish and awful, and what development she had was massively rushed. It felt like the author was trying to give Eluned as many queer experiences as possible in one book, so there was no time to examine anything in any detail. And this really hurt the beginning especially, because she went from zero to dyke in a chapter and a half. What’s weird is that the narrative knows that bisexuals exist and Eluned appeared to genuinely love and fancy her boyfriend so why was bisexuality never considered an option? Also, she’ll cheat on her partners at the drop of a hat with no thought whatsoever. Just kinda gross, honestly.
Did not enjoy this one and am sorry to have subjected my friends to it by making it my book club pick 😂
The main character was just kind of selfish and awful, and what development she had was massively rushed. It felt like the author was trying to give Eluned as many queer experiences as possible in one book, so there was no time to examine anything in any detail. And this really hurt the beginning especially, because she went from zero to dyke in a chapter and a half. What’s weird is that the narrative knows that bisexuals exist and Eluned appeared to genuinely love and fancy her boyfriend so why was bisexuality never considered an option? Also, she’ll cheat on her partners at the drop of a hat with no thought whatsoever. Just kinda gross, honestly.
Did not enjoy this one and am sorry to have subjected my friends to it by making it my book club pick 😂
April 20, 2024
Tories will hate this book 😁
It was a 5 star for the first half and then a 3 star for the second half - it got a bit meandering and ended SO abruptly.
Loved the characters though - Eluned and June felt so real.
Plot/compellingness 2/5 (it went downhill in this regard)
Themes 5/5
Characters 5/5
Emotional resonance 5/5
Writing style 5/5
It was a 5 star for the first half and then a 3 star for the second half - it got a bit meandering and ended SO abruptly.
Loved the characters though - Eluned and June felt so real.
Plot/compellingness 2/5 (it went downhill in this regard)
Themes 5/5
Characters 5/5
Emotional resonance 5/5
Writing style 5/5
August 16, 2024
Rep: lesbian mc & li
CWs: police violence, coercive control
CWs: police violence, coercive control
April 27, 2023
— 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 —
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Neon Roses
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: N/A
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Rachel Dawson
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Historical LGBT
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 25th May 2023
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 27th April 2023
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 3.25/5
Neon Roses is a coming-of-age queer debut novel that is set mainly in South Wales. The first half of this book depicts the miners’ strikes which honestly made me weep! The wonderful hindsight of 2023 has shown just how bad Thatcher was to Wales and this book shares that destruction with the world.
It does this through gorgeous ‘welshy’ dialogue. Though the main language of this book is English, there are so many native welsh phrases that are in welsh, english, and wenglish, that this story felt like home to me.
I was flying through the pages when Eluned and Lola are together, it was provocative to read about such an emotionally coercive relationship that used every part of Eluned as a weapon, including her being a newly found queer. I think it’s important for all queer girls to recognise that Lola’s behaviour is not acceptable.
Despite this book being described as ”a little bit filthy”, I would very much like to challenge that and say that this was outrageously filthy. I am deeply intrigued to see what the author would describe as very filthy if this novel is only a little filthy in their eyes. I think a part of this is the fact the author writes so raw and unapologetically.
What this book lacks is resolutions: what did Eluned’s mam and dad do for work after she left and stopped giving them her wages, for one? Side characters are picked up, explored, and dropped. There are other questions I’m left with but most are surrounding the abrupt ending which I don’t want to spoil for others.
—Kayleigh🤍
@ Welsh Book Fairy🧚♀️✨
♡Booksta
♡Twitter
♡Blog
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Neon Roses
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: N/A
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Rachel Dawson
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Historical LGBT
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 25th May 2023
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 27th April 2023
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 3.25/5
Neon Roses is a coming-of-age queer debut novel that is set mainly in South Wales. The first half of this book depicts the miners’ strikes which honestly made me weep! The wonderful hindsight of 2023 has shown just how bad Thatcher was to Wales and this book shares that destruction with the world.
It does this through gorgeous ‘welshy’ dialogue. Though the main language of this book is English, there are so many native welsh phrases that are in welsh, english, and wenglish, that this story felt like home to me.
I was flying through the pages when Eluned and Lola are together, it was provocative to read about such an emotionally coercive relationship that used every part of Eluned as a weapon, including her being a newly found queer. I think it’s important for all queer girls to recognise that Lola’s behaviour is not acceptable.
Despite this book being described as ”a little bit filthy”, I would very much like to challenge that and say that this was outrageously filthy. I am deeply intrigued to see what the author would describe as very filthy if this novel is only a little filthy in their eyes. I think a part of this is the fact the author writes so raw and unapologetically.
What this book lacks is resolutions: what did Eluned’s mam and dad do for work after she left and stopped giving them her wages, for one? Side characters are picked up, explored, and dropped. There are other questions I’m left with but most are surrounding the abrupt ending which I don’t want to spoil for others.
—Kayleigh🤍
@ Welsh Book Fairy🧚♀️✨
♡Booksta
♡Blog
April 14, 2024
sure was a book. sometimes this was cute and sometimes this was so strenuous to read. i struggled a lot with the pacing—important things and chunks of time are rushed through or skipped over but i read a paragraph describing the mouth feel of a chocolate? yeah okay. to show the importance of music in her life the author will interrupt a paragraph to mention a song or artist when it’s completely irrelevant? but otherwise her love for music doesn’t inform her decision making or life at all. also, it felt like as the book went on the author gave up trying to make characters realistic or grounded in any way. the writing was just really struggling at times and it made the story harder to enjoy. but! the story itself is nice. also? somehow way too horny and not horny enough.
May 29, 2023
It's 1984 in the valleys of South Wales, and Eluned is tired of her boyfriend, her job and her life. In the midst of the miners' strike, having fun is a distant memory, as all her wages need to go to support her family. Even worse, her sister Mabli is sleeping with the enemy, being wined and dined by one of the policemen who oppress the miners on the pickets. When LGSM (Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners) turn up in Eluned's village, her attraction to lesbian June makes her realise why she has never quite fit in with her community's expectations - but can she really leave her whole life behind? This accomplished novel vividly evokes a range of settings across Britain in the mid-1980s, from rural Wales to Cardiff to London to Manchester. It has all the verisimilitude of Louise Kennedy's Trespasses but, for me, much more originality and heart. As a historian of this period, I loved how effortlessly Rachel Dawson brought queer communities and protest movements to life, weaving in detail without over-explaining or overloading. I know much less about the specifics of her South Wales setting, but I felt that was also beautifully done; Dawson refuses to pander to the reader by explaining the 'Wenglish' that many of her characters use, but I never felt lost. There's a depth to Neon Roses that is absent from most twentieth-century historical fiction.
My only question is: why didn't I love it more, as it literally ticks all my boxes? This is probably a me problem rather than a book problem, but I never quite warmed to Eluned as much as I wanted to, despite the homophobia and hardship she faces, and the solidarity she shows. (So great to read a book that understands that identifying as a lesbian, especially in the 1980s, is about more than who you sleep with.) On a macro level, she never seemed to truly experience any vulnerability, although I can appreciate that Dawson puts her in many situations where she's positioned as vulnerable; something about what was happening to Eluned on the outside and what was happening in her head didn't quite connect. On a micro level, I wondered if this wasn't helped by the slightly detached prose, which keeps us at a fair distance from Eluned (Dawson continually uses 'Eluned' when 'she' would have done, and this jolted me outside of her consciousness). I wanted to fall in love with Eluned and June, and I just didn't. Nevertheless, a brilliant debut.
I received a free proof copy of this novel from the publisher for review.
My only question is: why didn't I love it more, as it literally ticks all my boxes? This is probably a me problem rather than a book problem, but I never quite warmed to Eluned as much as I wanted to, despite the homophobia and hardship she faces, and the solidarity she shows. (So great to read a book that understands that identifying as a lesbian, especially in the 1980s, is about more than who you sleep with.) On a macro level, she never seemed to truly experience any vulnerability, although I can appreciate that Dawson puts her in many situations where she's positioned as vulnerable; something about what was happening to Eluned on the outside and what was happening in her head didn't quite connect. On a micro level, I wondered if this wasn't helped by the slightly detached prose, which keeps us at a fair distance from Eluned (Dawson continually uses 'Eluned' when 'she' would have done, and this jolted me outside of her consciousness). I wanted to fall in love with Eluned and June, and I just didn't. Nevertheless, a brilliant debut.
I received a free proof copy of this novel from the publisher for review.
June 23, 2023
This impressive debut novel is a Sapphic coming of age story set in South Wales, London and Manchester with the backdrop of the 1984-5 miners' strike.
I went to an author event where she said that the 2014 movie Pride was her inspiration, and the book covers a lot of the same themes of class solidarity and protest. It also branches out to cover solidarity within the LGBT community, e.g. the protagonist, Eluned, works at a make-up counter and sells make-up on the side to trans women.
The author also talked about how much research she did, which shows, in good and bad ways. For example, there are some heavy handed mentions of what single was at number 1, and what was in the news at the time. But there were also some really evocative descriptions that transported me back to the time, e.g. "They leave the B&B in a cloud of Elnett and Anaïs Anaïs". And the soundtrack is amazing.
Also, the sex scenes are pleasingly frank - urgent, visceral and messy.
Favourite line: ""Duw duw. One lesbian, and one marrying a copper," says Mam, trying to sound serious."
Content notes:
I went to an author event where she said that the 2014 movie Pride was her inspiration, and the book covers a lot of the same themes of class solidarity and protest. It also branches out to cover solidarity within the LGBT community, e.g. the protagonist, Eluned, works at a make-up counter and sells make-up on the side to trans women.
The author also talked about how much research she did, which shows, in good and bad ways. For example, there are some heavy handed mentions of what single was at number 1, and what was in the news at the time. But there were also some really evocative descriptions that transported me back to the time, e.g. "They leave the B&B in a cloud of Elnett and Anaïs Anaïs". And the soundtrack is amazing.
Also, the sex scenes are pleasingly frank - urgent, visceral and messy.
Favourite line: ""Duw duw. One lesbian, and one marrying a copper," says Mam, trying to sound serious."
Content notes:
August 31, 2025
les quiero tanto ')
August 10, 2025
lesbianismo y activismo ochentero, personajes increibles, relación compleja con el lugar y la gente que te vio crecer, lesbians and gays suport the miners (!!!), butchfemme 10/10, La Colectividad Es El Único Camino... qué decir es mi tipo de novela 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤍
December 5, 2023
I loved this! What a fantastic book. If you enjoy books about dykes, activism/leftism, gay sex and queer culture during the 1980s you'll enjoy this book.
This book is a lesbian coming of age story which begins in Wales during the miners strike. As a queer with a Welsh dad I especially love the story of LGSM, Pride is one of my favourite films and I loved that this was where her gay awakening began.
The only thing I didn't like was the ending, I was so confused! Because I read on an ereader and don't always pay attention to how much is left it felt like there should have been another 50-100 pages or something, I felt like it stopped very abruptly. It wasn't necessarily a bad ending it just felt unfinished to me. I don't need everything to be wrapped up neatly but it was quite random, no?
This book is a lesbian coming of age story which begins in Wales during the miners strike. As a queer with a Welsh dad I especially love the story of LGSM, Pride is one of my favourite films and I loved that this was where her gay awakening began.
The only thing I didn't like was the ending, I was so confused! Because I read on an ereader and don't always pay attention to how much is left it felt like there should have been another 50-100 pages or something, I felt like it stopped very abruptly. It wasn't necessarily a bad ending it just felt unfinished to me. I don't need everything to be wrapped up neatly but it was quite random, no?
November 18, 2024
5/5 ⭐️: warm, witty, and joyfully queer! From the Welsh Valleys to Cardiff to Manchester, this book follows Eluned as she navigates her sexuality and identity. The story is set in the 80s against a backdrop of unrest: the miner’s strikes, the rise of AIDs, Thatcher’s brutal policies and renewed homophobia from all corners of society. It’s a difficult time, yet Eluned’s story is a hopeful one. Much of the plot is character driven, and I loved reading about Eluned becoming more and more herself as the years went by. This was a really heartwarming story. It’s also got a great soundtrack (music plays a huge part) and there are some hilarious and downright filthy moments too! I just loved this.
August 29, 2024
3.5 stars - a solid readable 7/19 that breezes chattily through this period of 80s history. Really like the music references but it feels like it never gets particularly deep or dramatic? And when it finally does have some drama at the end it just finishes without really enough resolution. A bit surface.
July 17, 2023
Queer, Welsh, horny - what’s not to enjoy about this?
Potentially a 4.5 because of the abrupt ending and wanting more, but that may be because I loved reading this and going with Eluned on her journey.
Potentially a 4.5 because of the abrupt ending and wanting more, but that may be because I loved reading this and going with Eluned on her journey.
April 8, 2024
Didn’t want to finish this book, it was great from start to finish!
Really enjoyed reading a book that featured around one of the most important parts of Welsh history!
I demand a second book!!!
Really enjoyed reading a book that featured around one of the most important parts of Welsh history!
I demand a second book!!!
July 26, 2024
jaffa cake mention😏
3.5
3.5
October 7, 2024
I truly enjoyed the emotional growth and overall story of the FMC - and I related to her experience of being unfaithful to someone she truly did love as she figured out what/who she truly wanted. She grew tremendously through each romantic relationship she had in the book, as well as those with family members & her landlord.
I also really enjoyed the historical tie-ins - union strikes, class solidarity, the protests against homophobia & AIDS stigma. If I knew more about 80s music, I'm sure I would have connected with this novel more; the FMC is musically-oriented and there are frequent references to what song is playing. It would be interesting to listen to a playlist of all the music mentioned.
As an American, I frequently had to guess at the meaning of UK slang & Welsh words. This was both cool & immersive, as well as frustrating & slowed down my reading.
Reading this book sometimes felt like a chore. I almost put it down during the first three chapters, but it picked up enough that I kept reading through to the end.
The ending left me feeling a little bit disappointed - there was so much emotional/relational growth for the FMC that it felt surprising for the story to end *during* a moment of intense character development, and instead of seeing how it played out, I felt like the ending was a hopeful cliffhanger instead of a HAE. Not my style, but probably very satisfying for people who liked the end of The Giver.
I'm glad I read it, and I think it's a good book, but I didn't love it and probably won't reread it.
I also really enjoyed the historical tie-ins - union strikes, class solidarity, the protests against homophobia & AIDS stigma. If I knew more about 80s music, I'm sure I would have connected with this novel more; the FMC is musically-oriented and there are frequent references to what song is playing. It would be interesting to listen to a playlist of all the music mentioned.
As an American, I frequently had to guess at the meaning of UK slang & Welsh words. This was both cool & immersive, as well as frustrating & slowed down my reading.
Reading this book sometimes felt like a chore. I almost put it down during the first three chapters, but it picked up enough that I kept reading through to the end.
The ending left me feeling a little bit disappointed - there was so much emotional/relational growth for the FMC that it felt surprising for the story to end *during* a moment of intense character development, and instead of seeing how it played out, I felt like the ending was a hopeful cliffhanger instead of a HAE. Not my style, but probably very satisfying for people who liked the end of The Giver.
I'm glad I read it, and I think it's a good book, but I didn't love it and probably won't reread it.
December 17, 2023
Book of the Year! If you’re queer, Welsh, love the 80s, enjoyed the film ‘Pride’ and/or enjoy reading about real lives and coming of age stories, you will love this.
You feel connected to the main character Eluned throughout the story, and experience her feelings of excitement, anxiety, anger and more. The story is seated firmly in the 1980s Welsh Valleys, and you as the reader are immersed into the culture in a familiar and realistic way.
All in all, Neon Roses is a happy, joyful book that makes you feel connected to the bigger picture of the LGBTQ+ community and Welsh history. Read and tell your friends to read!
You feel connected to the main character Eluned throughout the story, and experience her feelings of excitement, anxiety, anger and more. The story is seated firmly in the 1980s Welsh Valleys, and you as the reader are immersed into the culture in a familiar and realistic way.
All in all, Neon Roses is a happy, joyful book that makes you feel connected to the bigger picture of the LGBTQ+ community and Welsh history. Read and tell your friends to read!
Want to read
August 25, 2024as someone whose favourite movie is pride (2014), it is CRIMINAL that nobody told me about this book 😤
Read
May 7, 2023I knew going into this book that I would enjoy it. If you’ve seen the film Pride, the premise is basically: what if the arrival of LGSM to a small Welsh village helped a young woman in that village realise she was gay?
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
What follows is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of 1980s social change, and firmly rooted in south Wales. Eluned, the main character, goes on such a journey, taking one step at a time further and further away from her front door. While it did take me a few chapters to settle into the writing style, Eluned is a compelling lead and you can’t help but hope that things work out for the best for her.
This book is messy in the best way. It’s about the mess of real life: of family drama, romantic successes and disasters, and the scrapes we get ourselves into when we leave the nest for the first time and attempt to fly. There was also a wonderful full circle moment towards the end, which tied together Eluned’s past and present for an incredibly satisfying conclusion.
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
What follows is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of 1980s social change, and firmly rooted in south Wales. Eluned, the main character, goes on such a journey, taking one step at a time further and further away from her front door. While it did take me a few chapters to settle into the writing style, Eluned is a compelling lead and you can’t help but hope that things work out for the best for her.
This book is messy in the best way. It’s about the mess of real life: of family drama, romantic successes and disasters, and the scrapes we get ourselves into when we leave the nest for the first time and attempt to fly. There was also a wonderful full circle moment towards the end, which tied together Eluned’s past and present for an incredibly satisfying conclusion.
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews