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The Northern Elements
The Northern Elements is so called because the ancient elements of earth, air, fire, and water are thematic threads woven into the story. Set in Lancashire, in 1890 and 1960, the novel involves two gangs of small boys and their adventures, seventy years apart.
The tragic secret that links the the two gangs only emerges in the second part of the book, which is set in the present day.
Thomson explores aspects of identity which are the product of a specific time, and elements which can be said to be universal in our nature. He writes with characteristic wit and sharpness of observation about the world as seen by boys on the brink of adolescence, in a rapidly changing cotton town in the North of England.
The tragic secret that links the the two gangs only emerges in the second part of the book, which is set in the present day.
Thomson explores aspects of identity which are the product of a specific time, and elements which can be said to be universal in our nature. He writes with characteristic wit and sharpness of observation about the world as seen by boys on the brink of adolescence, in a rapidly changing cotton town in the North of England.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2019
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7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 15, 2019
It’s too rare these days to find good novelists who dare not to conform to the strictures of genre. Publishers want writers to grind out the same type of novel again and again so that they can be easily categorised and marketed. I think this comes from the undue influence that accountants have had on modern life and their desire to fit every thing – and everyone – into neat compartments. They are incapable of seeing how disastrous this is in the long term, stifling the imagination and creativity. The novelist Monica Ali recently spoke on BBC Radio 4 about the expectation that her works deal with ethnicity and women’s issues while she just wants to be a novelist and make stories.
Ian Thomson’s The Northern Elements is a major departure from his previous novels. Its depiction of two (harmless) gangs of young boys, in the same place (Blackburn) but at different times (1890 and 1960), borders on the naturalistic. The two periods illustrate that even though the world changes, children don’t. The interaction within the gangs is remarkably similar. Questions of leadership, loyalty, honesty, trust, friendship, and the fears of school and going out into the world have not changed, and these are the themes of the book.
The elements of the title refer to earth, air, fire and water, the classic elements. They appear in a mix that isn’t forced; indeed, the realisation of what Thomson is doing sometimes dawns on the reader after he’s finished a passage. These elements mirror the themes in that time does not change them.
The story of the two gangs intersects as a tragic event for one becomes a shocking discovery for the other. While this device has been used before, Thomson does something new and extends the influence of that old event into the present and seeks resolutions.
This is Thomson’s most serious work. Whereas in previous books, one could sense the author hiding behind a nearby tree or pillar, suppressing chortles, and preparing to jump out and shout, “Gotcha!” this sense is not present in The Northern Elements; he clearly feels these characters deserve a higher level of respect. It may also be due to the autobiographical elements of the book. That is not to say that the book is not lively, witty and full of the amusing turns of phrase found in his other works, it’s just that there is something more profound going on here.
The final third of the book pulls the two main threads together in a wholly unexpected way and does so using the devices of good detective fiction. Curiously it is in the more “popular” form that the most profound, poignant and accomplished writing is found.
The boy with a dog from the 1960s is now a retired forensic scientist, and he describes how the objectivity of examining the bodies of victims can break down:
“And then what you thought was a carapace you had grown around you turns out to be soft tissue after all – and you are touched by your own mortality and all the evil and loss in the world.”
It’s a tremendous line, but not without irony in that while there is tragedy, misfortune, despair and heartache in the book, there is very little evil. In fact, there is a vast amount of good, care and love that can only be seen from a distance.
This is a book that disturbs, too. It shows the importance of individuals and individual decisions and how they can have profound effects and even reach across time. It’s a book I can imagine rereading in a year or two because I know there is more in it. Moreover, it’s a damn good read with a strong, page-turning conclusion.
Ian Thomson’s The Northern Elements is a major departure from his previous novels. Its depiction of two (harmless) gangs of young boys, in the same place (Blackburn) but at different times (1890 and 1960), borders on the naturalistic. The two periods illustrate that even though the world changes, children don’t. The interaction within the gangs is remarkably similar. Questions of leadership, loyalty, honesty, trust, friendship, and the fears of school and going out into the world have not changed, and these are the themes of the book.
The elements of the title refer to earth, air, fire and water, the classic elements. They appear in a mix that isn’t forced; indeed, the realisation of what Thomson is doing sometimes dawns on the reader after he’s finished a passage. These elements mirror the themes in that time does not change them.
The story of the two gangs intersects as a tragic event for one becomes a shocking discovery for the other. While this device has been used before, Thomson does something new and extends the influence of that old event into the present and seeks resolutions.
This is Thomson’s most serious work. Whereas in previous books, one could sense the author hiding behind a nearby tree or pillar, suppressing chortles, and preparing to jump out and shout, “Gotcha!” this sense is not present in The Northern Elements; he clearly feels these characters deserve a higher level of respect. It may also be due to the autobiographical elements of the book. That is not to say that the book is not lively, witty and full of the amusing turns of phrase found in his other works, it’s just that there is something more profound going on here.
The final third of the book pulls the two main threads together in a wholly unexpected way and does so using the devices of good detective fiction. Curiously it is in the more “popular” form that the most profound, poignant and accomplished writing is found.
The boy with a dog from the 1960s is now a retired forensic scientist, and he describes how the objectivity of examining the bodies of victims can break down:
“And then what you thought was a carapace you had grown around you turns out to be soft tissue after all – and you are touched by your own mortality and all the evil and loss in the world.”
It’s a tremendous line, but not without irony in that while there is tragedy, misfortune, despair and heartache in the book, there is very little evil. In fact, there is a vast amount of good, care and love that can only be seen from a distance.
This is a book that disturbs, too. It shows the importance of individuals and individual decisions and how they can have profound effects and even reach across time. It’s a book I can imagine rereading in a year or two because I know there is more in it. Moreover, it’s a damn good read with a strong, page-turning conclusion.
July 12, 2019
Memories of home
The book is set in the town in which I was born and raised. It is well crafted and links the two sets of children in their happy pursuit of adventure. Whether you are from Blackburn or not, if you have golden memories of your childhood you will enjoy this intriguing story
The book is set in the town in which I was born and raised. It is well crafted and links the two sets of children in their happy pursuit of adventure. Whether you are from Blackburn or not, if you have golden memories of your childhood you will enjoy this intriguing story
September 19, 2019
A very captivating story: young boys up to mischief; growing pains and the pecking order. Those boys gave me a chill and a few goosebumps, but it is also filled with touching and heartwarming moments. The twist in the plot is brilliant! This is a beautifully written book that will grab you from the start. Highly recommend!
September 16, 2019
The Northern Elements has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Premier Award.
www.chillwithabook.com
A very descriptive and nostalgic story of a gang of young boys and their exploits. Well written and very humorous.
Pauline Barclay - Founder of Chill Awards.
www.chillwithabook.com
A very descriptive and nostalgic story of a gang of young boys and their exploits. Well written and very humorous.
Pauline Barclay - Founder of Chill Awards.
November 15, 2019
Bought this because a lot of my friends where telling me how much I’d enjoy it. Plus a virtual friend on FB is related. So glad I got it evoked lots of memories a real page turner. Recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 13, 2019
I couldn't put this book down.
Wow, the thrilling story against our Blackburn history. I ended up reading it in one go. I will definitely be reading again.
Wow, the thrilling story against our Blackburn history. I ended up reading it in one go. I will definitely be reading again.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews