Barley Sugar

by Jack Charles

How much could you give up for someone you love… Not to have to give up someone you love?

Widow Deborah Coles is suffering a crisis of conscience about moving on with her life. When her 15-year-old son, Lewis, finds himself in trouble with the police, she has little choice but to turn to her father-in-law for support.

Over the course of a weekend, career criminal Francis Coles proves an unorthodox educator as he reveals the heartbreaking love story that has allowed their family to endure.

Reminiscing on his youth in 1950’s London, Francis’s tale is one of Teddy Boy gang fights, rock n roll romance in the dancehalls and daring heists, as he and his two best friends descend into a vicious world of vendetta, revenge and murder.

Lewis listens and learns about the high price of survival, about how the trio – whilst maturing towards the prospect of fatherhood – would have their morality tested, and be forced to meet ever-increasing stakes in order to protect not only their endeavours but also their relationships.

Deborah and Lewis will each inherit the family secrets, revelations which could reshape the way they look at love, loss and life.

A Rock n Roll Crime Thriller intertwined with 1950s Teddy Boys antics, love, and larceny.

Paperback

Published March 27, 2025

About the author

US. Air Force veteran, teacher in a small town

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barley Sugar is a gripping read, dark at times, heartwarming and emotional. It's a rollercoaster of read that you don't want to miss out on!

Told over 2 timelines( from the 1940s, all the way to the early 2000s) and different POVs, I did struggle a little at first with who was who, as there is quite a few characters but as the storyline goes on, we get to see their journeys unfold, the characters develop, and you can see the thought the author has put into this as they work seamlessly together! The author draws you in with his descriptive writing and a storyline that just makes you want to know what happens next! I really did enjoy reading this and flew through it as I didn't want to put it down!

I don't want to say too much as you just have to read this to really appreciate Barley Sugar!.

[Amorina Carlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really didn’t know what I was getting into when I read this, but once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Whether you’re a normal consumer of so-called “gangster” thrillers or not, I think you’ll find something to love in this read.

I’ve only read maybe one or two books before that really touch on gangster life or organized crime, except maybe from the other side – I am a big crime thriller and cozy mystery reader. But, this was really great. It didn’t feel like the mobster/mafia type read. It really gave the feeling of working-class people, doing what they felt they needed to do to survive. In a lot of ways, many crime-based professions seem like that to me, something people fall into because of at least perceived necessity, not really something most people do because they dreamed of being a gang boss as a child. Notice that I say most; obviously, there are exceptions. But this type of literature is great because it absolutely didn’t romanticize it in the same way that other types did. It pointed out the problems in real ways.

I’ll admit, I did question at some points how telling your grandkid about your criminal behavior was supposed to “scare him straight,” but in the end, I realized that the goal was way more nuanced and beautiful than that. I won’t say more, because I’m not in the business of giving spoilers. I’ll say that this story includes beautiful storylines of found family, sacrifice, and the best in humanity right alongside the worst. Those worst bits will make this a very hard read for some, though, so be sure to check the content warnings, because more than one scene is very hard to read!

The characters are so well written. Despite there being so many, it’s almost hard to keep up with them; they felt real and distinct. I honestly don’t remember reading a book with so many characters that wasn’t a fantasy book – those tend to have such massive worlds. Despite my being an Anglophile, this one did stretch my knowledge banks a little. I thought Teddy boys were similar to greasers, and I feel that they’re probably more similar than most would admit, but I did some research and was intrigued to learn about some differences. This was a really interesting time to read about, and I really enjoyed the storytelling method, through the eyes of a grandfather trying to impart some wisdom to his grandson. These flashback-type stories have been having their time in the sun lately, and I’ve been enjoying them.

If you love gangster-type books, I think this one is a no-brainer, but since I’m not really into those, I’m not entirely sure. This one seems pretty different than the few I’ve come across. But, it does have high levels of violence, the criminal perspective, and other aspects of that genre. If you love a good found family and romance, this has some really good examples of those tropes/genres.

Content Warnings: This book contains topics that may disturb some readers, including, but not limited to Sexual Assault (Graphic Depicitions), Racism, Violence, Criminal Activity/Mischief, Organized Crime, Murder, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Loss, Discussions of Abortion, Prison, Adult Language, Adult Situations, and Possibly More.

[Stephanie Davy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is gritty and dark with gripping prose. Despite this being a dark tale, I had to stop and admire the prose a few times.

It took me a while to remember all the characters, and it was worth it. All of the main male characters are layered and believable. And it was eye-opening to get an idea of what the teddy boy era was like. Anyone who thinks gangs are a new thing or only pertain to certain groups should consider having a read of this cos whew!

As a working class 80s baby myself, there was a lot of nostalgia involved here and despite the very 18+ stuff going on and language that would take people’s ears off now, I had a good time reading (call it Millennial trauma lol).

I liked the premise. There are two timelines with various POVS. I liked how the story of Francis’ past pieced together, and I liked his bond with Lewis too. Francis was a very likeable main character and despite everything that happened, I rooted for him the whole time.

Absolutely no doubt that this author is a superb story teller. The reasons for why this wasn’t quite a five star for me is discussed below and contains spoilers, so stop here if you don’t want to see.

***Spoiler from this point***

It was unfortunately the ending that didn’t really sit well with me. What happened to Winston made sense and the reasons for the decision he would ultimately make started to be woven in from the beginning. His fate as a biracial person at that time also made sense, however unfair it was.

It was the ending with Lewis that gave it the ‘magical negro’ feel for me or looked like a sort of cautionary tale. The two main Black biracial characters end up being sacrificial lambs and ultimately and unsurprisingly feel the full weight of the law as a result. I really would have liked to see a different outcome for Lewis instead of him being the second sacrifice. Maybe if Sammy could have also been brave and they got off with warnings then it would have helped. I get that it was a power of friendship thing but there was an implicit power imbalance. I also would have liked to see Lewis truly take in his grandfather’s (cautionary?) tale and really think about changing the path he was on.

I’m also not a massive fan of stories where the women’s roles are nearly all to do with what they do sexually and not much else. It fits the book style and it’s told from male POVs so it makes sense but it’s not my favourite. I still enjoyed the story. And I would still recommend it if a gritty tale is what you are after.


I read this book on KU but also had a gifted physical copy which I am grateful for. All opinions are my own.

[Jo Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This incredible read, should be a film by Guy Ritchie or Matthew Vaughn in my opinion.
This is a gripping, dark, gritty, brutal at times look into 1950s London and the "gangster life" of the Teddy boys era.
There are some scenes that will quite literally take your breath away and have you squirming in your chair, or if it was a movie you would be watching it from behind a cushion or your fingers.

We follow a recently widowed young mum and her son Lewis, who is 15 and gets into trouble at school, which results in him being told he has the weekend to think about his actions.
His mother calls his grandfather who decides to take him on a road trip and on this journey imparts his wisdom and memories of his own life.
Where we meet 2 of the other main characters, who were his childhood friends.
The characters are all rich, colourful that you will become so emotionally invested in and possibly have sheer rage and hatred from one of the other side characters.

This story gripped me from page 1 all the way through, beautifully and brutally written with a real flavour of the 1950s Teddy boy rebellion and what London was like in that era.

The crimes that were committed, the friendships and allies that were put to the test or developed.

Written in a dual timeline but flowed beautifully as we see the guilt and shame Lewis's mother feels whilst he is away at a possible new relationship, the journey with his Grandfather, whilst he tells him his story of crime, growing up, friendship and love.

The twist at the end when they come to the end of their road trip was so poignant and had me in tears.

This stunningly written book will have you laughing, crying, gasping, cringing, its harrowing in places but written with such care and tenderness to the power of found family, and the love of true friendships and what you would do for those you love, even if it means sacrificing your own life to protect them.

As a reader who normally only reads Fantasy, this was an incredible read to step into a new Genre for myself.
Utterly stunning and I can not wait to see what Jack Charles does next

[Kathrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every so often, a novel comes along that feels like sitting in a dimly lit pub with a storyteller who you can relate to because his experience feels real and relatable. Barley Sugar is that kind of book — warm in tone but edged with danger, full of sharp wit and bruised hearts, characters suffering but moving forward, overcoming hardship and growing.

Jack Charles writes with the understanding of someone who understands loss, grief and the pulse of youth. His London of the 1950s is not a nostalgic postcard, but a city alive, colourful, with grit, music, and different soundscapes! You can almost smell the cigarette smoke curling through the dancehalls, hear the scrape of shoes on the floor- sticky but full of energy of a generation of people pushing past their limits.

What impressed me most was the way the story balances different emotions- the concept of toughness over to tender love. Francis Coles is, on paper, the last person you’d want guiding a teenager — yet in his voice there’s an honesty, vulnerability and a sense of responsibility, realness you can’t ignore. The novel confronts the reader with challenging questions: does survival excuse sin? Can loyalty redeem cruelty? How can love survive the compromises life demands?

Some of the novel felt like reading a poem. There’s a rhythm to Charles’s prose that makes you want to linger on the sentences, even when the events are brutal. He doesn’t romanticise violence, but he does make you understand why some people are drawn into it, and how it affects the way they feel, act and love.

Barley Sugar isn’t just a crime story, or a family drama, or a period piece — it’s all of those at once. It makes you think about the stories we inherit from those before us, and the parts of ourselves we choose to pass on to our children.

Overall, a bold, vulnerable, heartfelt, capturing novel that makes you want reflect on your own life and the generations before you.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was something really captivating and beautiful about this book. Don’t get me wrong - there are some scenes where if I was watching it as a movie I’d be hiding behind my hands as I’m a bit squeamish! But there is also some beautiful heart wrenching moments too.

I think one of the nicest parts is that Francis is sharing the stories from his past with his grandson Lewis who has gotten into trouble at school. Whilst Francis is sharing the stories for Lewis to understand things better that is where the themes of unbreakable friendship, trust and love come into it.

I liked how we had scenes from now as well as scenes from the 1950’s when Francis was a boy growing up with his best friends Mickey & Winston, sharing how they met and how the friendship grew. They were definitely not an innocent trio but they do make for very interesting reading.

It had me gripped within the first couple of chapters as I needed to see what had unfolded in the boys lives, not expecting the stories that appeared. And I had no idea where Francis & Lewis were going on their journey, and when it was revealed where their final destination was and the story behind it, it made me really sad realising that the promise made all those years ago had been kept.

I thought this was really well written and I honestly couldn’t put it down. I felt deeply invested in finding out and reaching the end. I do have one unanswered question though but I won’t share it here as I don’t want to give any spoilers away!

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what this story was going to be like, but I definitely ended up being glad to read it.
There's a number of characters, in both timelines of the story, and that's something that I did get a little lost with a couple of times as the chapters showed the view of someone I tried to remember who they were and how they were involved. I did like the way it was done, though, as Francis, mid-60s, explained his youth and early adulthood to his grandson Lewis through stories that started, or ended in present day telling and moved back in time to give the detail.
There was lots going on, and much of it was dark, dangerous, and, at times, difficult to read. The language and actions were inkeeping with the timeframe we were revisiting, but it's tough to see in the world we live in now.
I found it very quick to get through, despite its almost 500 pages. It felt like no time at all had passed, and I'd read half the book! I also really appreciate the paper it's printed on being a cream colour. I found this made reading much easier than in a lot of physical books where the page colour can often hinder the words.
I'd have loved to have seen what happened to the rest of the gang between 1960 and 2004. That's probably my only real complaint about this.
The tale is ultimately one of friendship, love, and the family you choose to make. It's a lovely thing to see.

[Charlotte (thepennotthesword) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barley Sugar by Jack Charles is an engrossing read that masterfully weaves together two timelines, creating a multi-layered and immersive experience. I particularly enjoyed the 1940s storyline, following Francis, Micky and Winston, the Teddy Boy gang fights and the heists and crimes undertaken. This timeline was rich with tension, emotion and violence and kept me hooked throughout. The found family elements and criminal activities made for a truly gripping read as the story progressed.

While the book started off quite slow and took me a little while to fully get into, my biggest challenge was the number of POVs; I personally prefer at most three POVs and felt that there were just a little too many for my personal liking. At times, it was easy to get lost, where I had to flip back to confirm the POV I was reading.

However, once I had settled into the narrative style, I found myself completely captivated and needing to reach the end, with brilliant twists and turns, and an ending I didn’t see coming. Barley Sugar is compelling and surprisingly emotive, with well-written dual timelines, and the characters’ turmoils and depth making for a memorable story. If you are a fan of historical fiction, with crime and differing family dynamics, I would definitely recommend this book!

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is told over two timelines, weaving together the experiences of Lewis, a troubled teenager in the early 2000s, and his grandfather Francis, whose youth in the 1940s is full of complexity and surprises. This dual narrative showed how the past shaped the present in unexpected ways.

Deborah, Lewis's mother, is a single parent doing her best after the loss of her husband five years earlier. When Lewis starts getting into trouble at school and even with the police, Deborah turns to her father-in-law Francis for help.

What truly drew me in was how Jack Charles crafted each character with such care. Francis, in particular, stood out. His warmth, wisdom and determination to guide Lewis through a tough time made him a deeply lovable character. The transitions between timelines flowed seamlessly.

The story doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, and some moments are heavy.

A beautifully written tale of love, loss, and redemption. It made me reflect on how our stories are interconnected and how the choices of one generation ripple through the next. Congratulations on a brilliant debut

[Cathy Pike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This follows Deborah and her 15 year old son Lewis, and her in-laws. Deborah is a single mother following the death of her husband Charlie 5 years earlier. She is doing her best to raise her son, she finally realises she needs help when Lewis finds himself in hot water with the school and the police. Deborah turns to her father in-law for help. Francis takes his grandson away for the weekend and he reminisces on his youth in London.

OMG I loved this book, we flip between the early 2000’s when Lewis is 15, and the 1940’s when Francis is young, through to his early twenties. What a great story, it’s about love and loss, friendship and family, it doesn’t hide away from the difficulties and harsh realities of the time and the consequences. It is really well written with lots of plot twists and unexpected events that leave you reeling. It has great flow which can sometimes be difficult with multiple timelines, but Jack managed to tie these together seamlessly into what is a really great story, this is definitely at 4 star read for me!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barley Sugar is a multi timeline story set at various points from the 1940s up until 2004. Each chapter concentrates mainly on a different character, and I really felt like we got to know them all and to understand their motives. The chapters were well paced and a nice length.

I found the writing to be genuine and believable, the speech felt real and the whole thing flowed really well.

I absolutely loved the plot of Barley Sugar. It was about the value of true friendship, and the lengths people go to to protect each other. It was also a lovely narrative on the relationship between a teenage Lewis, and his Grandfather Francis, even if they bonded over their crimes. To start with, these crimes were quite petty, but the darker side of Francis' young life soon emerges, and a gritty, dark backstory is revealed.

This was a genuinely gripping story which I think would make an absolutely brilliant film, I'd definitely watch it! I really hope Jack has more books to come.

[kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book fairly blind and so didn't know what to expect, but, I ended up really enjoying it. It was definitely a slow burner to start with which isn't always my cup of tea but I am so glad that I stuck it out and carried on reading because it was definitely worth it.

The book is well written with a really engaging tone alongside a compelling story line and well developed characters which played a massive part in the book, it is definitely a very character driven book and this is something that I often really enjoy.
The book is also full of rich imagery and really vivid description that made it easy to imagine the things happening in the book, it really was done very well.

I loved the dual timelines and the idea that it was Francis telling his story and talking about his life with his Grandson. I used to love doing that with my Gramps and still do with my Nan so that made it all the more special for me.

[Fatguyreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Barley Sugar, we follow two timelines, the first in the 1940's / 50's and the other in the early 2000's.

We follow Deborah in the 2000's, who's son, Lewis, gets into trouble with the Police, so In desperation, Deborah turns to her father-in-law, Francis, a life-long criminal, who, over a weekend, reminisces over his younger days in the 40's / 50's.

Francis's story is a nostalgic trip down memory lane for him, as he recalls his life as a Teddy Boy and of the harsh realities of living the tough life he lived.

It's a story of family, love, loss and secrets, with some great twists and turns.


The author doesn't shy away from the more sinister aspects of Francis's life as a career criminal, so It's a somewhat dark read in parts, but it's also a tale of resilience and redemption.

All in all, a most enjoyable read, with vivid, descriptive writing and a storyline that flows along nicely.

4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! It was such a great and interesting story. The premise was brilliant. I just adored it! It made me feel so many different emotions.

The book is extremely well written and flowed beautifully. There were no issues following the dual timeline. It was perfect. No questions were left unanswered.

The book has an amazingly rich and colourful cast of characters. Lewis and Francis were definitely a main focus as Francis was telling Lewis stories from his youth. All the characters were very interesting and I got emotionally invested in them all. The relationships and how everyone fit together within the stort was wonderful.

The book is written in third person from multiple POVs including Francis and Lewis. It worked well in the nature of the story. All the chapters except one were named after a character who featured in it. The exception was a location name.

The book was excellent and I highly, highly recommend this!!!

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barley Sugar is exactly the type of book that I enjoy. A book that is really character focused with interactions and stories that feel true to life.

I admit I had to read quite a chunk of the book to really get into the storyline, but it was worthwhile. There are a number of characters and multiple timelines. It took me a while to get an understanding of each of the characters and the connections between them.

Ultimately, though, I got genuinely caught up in stories Francis recounts to his grandson Lewis. The writing is exciting and descriptive, and I flew through the almost 500 pages.

[Lauren Flewett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barley sugar is a crime novel told from various different points of views and across a large timeframe (1940’s to 2000’s).

I loved the authors way of storytelling, the characters were well built and the whole book was very descriptive. You get a good feel of the decades the book is set in which was really interesting for me. It was also interesting comparing how Lewis was growing up in 2000’s and how his grandfathers childhood was in 1940’s/1950’s.

A great book that you just have to book up and lose yourself in!

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barley Sugar by Jack Charles.
I did like the cover and blurb of this book. I really did enjoy this book. I loved how it went between Lewis and Francis from when he is young to his early 20s. It's about friendship and family and love and loss. I couldn't put it down. I did like Francis Deborah father in law. I liked how he tried to help Lewis. I loved how everything tied together in the end.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and so wasn't too sure what to expect - but I loved the front cover and the title took me back to my youth when my Gran used to always hand me a barley sugar sweet whenever we visited!

 

This book was a little reminiscent of those visits actually as we focus on Francis retelling stories from his youth to his teenage grandson, who has recently got into trouble with the police.

 

I loved the way this was told over different timelines so the stories unfold gradually one by one.

This was great as we see events that shaped Francis into who he became and is now.

 

The past is set in the 50's and we see some dark and dangerous events play out.

These are often quite tough to read - but were really well written and definitely authentic to the time and area.

 

I really loved getting to know Francis in this way and I think it was a great way for Lewis to reassess and bond with his family - maybe seeing new ways to look at his own life and future.

 

There were a fair few characters to get to grips with and it did take me a while to get everyone in order - but the chapters were well titled and it was clear and easy to follow after a couple of chapters.

 

The writing style was gritty, but so befitting the content.

I was shocked to discover this was over 460 pages, yet I'd flown through this so easily!

 

A refreshing read which I really enjoyed!

[caz.readz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Debbie's son Lewis is caught stealing at school with his friend and she is at her wits end as to what to do with him when Lewis's grandfather, Francis, suggests he go on a road trip with him. During this time Francis starts to open up about his past and giving Lewis an insight into his past. A story from 1950's London when Francis was involved in Teddy Boy gang fights, heists and fleeting romances. Revealing the heartbreaking love story he has allowed his family to endure.

This started off slow for me but that did help in setting up the story and getting some background. The storytelling aspect of the story was so natural I really enjoyed the retelling of Francis' past. Sharing many aspects of life that many people will be able to relate to. It is told from several POV which I do enjoy as it gives more depth to the characters and the story. The story is extremely emotive and you really feel for the characters especially when dealing with the heavier topics. A real insight into how one decision can shape a lifetime.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book and didn't want it to end!

The book begins in 2004 where two boys, Sammy and Lewis get into trouble for stealing back confiscated items from their teacher. They end up getting suspended from school and Lewis's mum, Debbie, doesn't know what to do.
Lewis's grandfather, Francis, is going on a road trip to Durham and suggests to Debbie that Lewis should come along.

While on their journey, Francis starts telling Lewis about his past. I enjoyed the dynamic between Francis and Lewis as the story unfolds. Francis looks back on his past from 1947 through to 1961. It was fascinating reading about the gangs of the '50s and I loved how the characters were portrayed. There was conflicting morality and blurred lines between good and bad. This book is gritty and doesn't shy away from tough topics.

(Trigger warnings: racist language, violence, r*pe, baby loss, death)