Made in Brighton

by Julie Burchill

Britain is experiencing a sudden reckless rush of liberalisation, from 24 hour licensing to gay marriages. But how did we get from idolising Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier to Jordan and Peter Andre? Funny and bittersweet, Made In Brighton interweaves personal stories of life in Brighton with larger themes of sex, politics and class to take a cold, hard look at the changing face of Britain, and at the town which has always been at the vanguard of Britain's cultural evolution. From punk to dance, dope to coke, the Labour party to hen parties, straight to gay to bi, this book holds a mirror up to the dazed face of Britain and gives it a good hard slap.

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Julie Burchill is an English writer and columnist known for her provocative comments. Beginning as a writer for the New Musical Express at the age of 17, she has written for newspapers such as The Sunday Times and The Guardian. She is a self-declared "militant feminist". She has several times been involved in legal action resulting from her work. She is also an author and novelist, her 1989 novel Ambition being a bestseller, and her 2004 novel Sugar Rush being adapted for television.

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Subtitled 'From the Grand to the Gutter: Modern Britain as seen beside the sea'. Admittedly I like what Burchill often has to say. This book looks at the changing face of Britain from the viewpoint of Brighton (aka as London On Sea), with an interweaving of personal stories and experiences with greater themes / commentaries on class, sex, politics both local and national, music and the ensuing changes over the last quarter of a century. 6 out of 12 A bit of history with some commentary by Burchill.

[Mark Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. Well, it is if you know and love Brighton (and live here) but I would be hard pressed to imagine a lot of this book translating or being relatable to anyone who has never been. It's a very good read though. Well written, witty and insightful. Just not for those in Derby.