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When the Small Creatures Wake
It is 1982 in Gritstone, North West England. Despite the mill town being in the grip of a deepening recession, the community survives.
Stella, always wanting more in adulthood after a childhood being stigmatised, is trapped in an abusive relationship. Her teenage twins consider a different, better future for themselves, but are compromised by fears for their mothers' safety. Meanwhile, Stella's mother, Alice ignores the chaos - living high above town on the moors, immersed in the natural world with her memories embedded in her beloved countryside.
Jean, a single mother, irrepressible and tough, carries on regardless of the slow decline in the industry that has held their community together for centuries. Midge, her youngest daughter, introspective and intelligent, has dreams of a future different to the adults around her, but pays a high price for her curiosity and thirst for knowledge.
When the Small Creatures Wake is a story of individuals linked by community and circumstance, abuse and austerity, conflict and challenge. But above all, it is a story of hope, friendship, humour, and resilience.
Stella, always wanting more in adulthood after a childhood being stigmatised, is trapped in an abusive relationship. Her teenage twins consider a different, better future for themselves, but are compromised by fears for their mothers' safety. Meanwhile, Stella's mother, Alice ignores the chaos - living high above town on the moors, immersed in the natural world with her memories embedded in her beloved countryside.
Jean, a single mother, irrepressible and tough, carries on regardless of the slow decline in the industry that has held their community together for centuries. Midge, her youngest daughter, introspective and intelligent, has dreams of a future different to the adults around her, but pays a high price for her curiosity and thirst for knowledge.
When the Small Creatures Wake is a story of individuals linked by community and circumstance, abuse and austerity, conflict and challenge. But above all, it is a story of hope, friendship, humour, and resilience.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 29, 2024
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This book is set in a fictional mill town in the North West (loosely based on the author’s hometown of Macclesfield). It follows two families in the middle of poverty and unemployment in the 1980s. It was a thought provoking and emotional read with dark themes, but heartwarming characters.
Brigid Griffin’s debut novel is beautifully written and leaves you wanting more from the characters. I really wanted to know more about certain members of the families as they grew older and matured. It made me stop and think into the lives of Mill workers in the past affected by Thatcher’s England. One storyline in particular was brushed over a little bit and I wish we learnt a bit more about it (I won’t write about it as I don’t want to give spoilers!!).
Midge & Bobby were my favourite characters and their pure natures, strength and their wit brought the story to light.
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February 1, 2025
Brigid's debut novel is set in a mill town the North West. Against a backdrop of industry decline . It follows the journey of several main characters. It touches on some really difficult subjects , and at times it's hard to read . Resilience and hope shines through as their journey unfolds .
September 27, 2025
Such a good read! Every character felt so real (including the animals and even the town itself!). I was hooked from start to finish!
May 1, 2026
A very lovely story, very real & written in a lovely, raw way.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews