The Brightonians

by Daren Kay

The Brightonians focuses upon the bitter rivalry and social one-upmanship that fuels the lives of a group of socialites who live in this far-from-quintessential seaside town. Already vying for supremacy of their circle, the chance discovery of a 50-year-old letter belonging to a local drag queen catapults their sparring to hilarious new heights. Initially leading to them back to the saucier side of Brighton in the swinging 60s - what they ultimately discover is even more shocking - connecting one of them to the past in ways that no-one could have imagined.

234 pages, Paperback

Published April 19, 2021

Reviews

[Phil Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wry, rollicking, ribald journey through Brighton past and present - with a vividly-drawn cast of characters, fizzing dialogue, cracking subplots, and a story that'll keep you guessing right till the very end.

[Alex Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pithy, witty and very clever. The Brightonians tells a gay story but the themes are universal. I particularly liked the way the book included two timelines, allowing a clear comparison between the way things used to be and what they are now. A joy to read. I look forward to Daren's next novel.

[Nick Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful book. It's packed with compelling characters who draw you in from the first page, and keeps you reading with a pacy plot full of twists, turns and surprises. The book oozes with affection for the city of Brighton and its people, and manages to maintain a careful balance between sentimentality and pathos throughout. If you're a fan of Armistead Maupin, Brighton or just love an entertaining read about engaging people you'll be at home with this book.

[Josie Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read but I normally don’t have the time so a book can take me months to get through. Not this one!! Once I started I couldn’t put it down. The switching between modern day and the past kept me riveted and I just needed to find out more. Highly recommend! 5 stars!

[Kit Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty, cheeky, heartwarming, interesting, lovely.

I’m already totally in love with Brighton but this book reminded me why.

[Alf Le Flohic · Rating 5 out of 5]

With drinking, swearing and historical flashbacks - consider my fancy well and truly tickled. Skillfully crafted and hard to put down, I'd definitely recommend it. And I'll never look at seagulls the same way again!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Brighton and everything within the heart and soul of this brilliantly unique place, you will love this. Full of the characters that make this city so very special. Made me both laugh out loud and shed a small tear. It’s as sparkling as our sea, and magically well observed from start to end. Bravo Mr Kay. Loved it.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skewering the Brighton scene with grace and aplomb, 'The Brightonians' is Maupin meets Wodegouse with a dash of both Amises. And behind the barbs and the backbiting is a tender tale of queer history. Highly recommended.

[Ms K.Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a good time reading this book. During a dark period it lifted me up and introduced me to a plotline that was both entertaining and intriguing. Well defined characters, and very good fun it is a lovely read. Looking forward to the sequel.

[Hugh W. Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful, happy, read. The characters were all well written and came to life, while the story itself was enjoyable, easy to follow, and kept me hooked. I wasn't expecting a twist at the end of the story, but it was wonderfully done. If you're looking for a light-hearted, easy read, then grab a copy of this book and be taken back to Brighton of the 1960s and 2019.

[Rohase Piercy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun read, especially for a Brightonian! Set in the 'Gay Village' of Kemp Town (with occasional forays to Bear Road and Rottingdean), it follows the antics of a group of friends (and in one case, rivals) as they unravel a historical mystery involving hymn books, old love letters and photos, a trunk full of dressing-up clothes, a stack of 1960s gay magazines, and a few old rolls of film. The ball is set rolling by the death of Grace, Brighton's first transgender mayor, whose funeral brings the main protagonists together. It's all delightfully camp, and the character of George, aka Bette Y'Sweet Ass, is an absolute gem!
I did find the writing style overly ponderous at times - there's surely no need, for instance, to explain to the reader that Polari was a 'secret gay code' beloved of the older characters every time someone says the word 'bona' - and there's a bit of a booboo at the end when one of the 'tableaux vivants' celebrates Oscar & Bosie 'at the Albemarle Club in 1896' - one of the years Oscar Wilde spent in prison! But all in all, a very enjoyable read, and there's a really good twist at the end ...

[David Maplesden · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story - I could not put it down and finished in record time for me. I love that it's focused on Brighton which I know so well, but it's a gripping story with a sense of humor and many twists and turns and the end was a surprise. I loved how it moved back and forwards in time. The characters are fabulous. A must-read.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kay gies it laldy ( check your Scots dictionary)..... it rips along apace .... witty and intriguing in equal measure with a host of interesting characters ..... a fun read - and not only for those with a Brighton postcode!!
Read and enjoy :-))

[Sarah Arnett]

Daren has put into words the colour that makes Brighton so inspiring to my work. A pleasure to draw for you, and even more of a pleasure to read your book! five star!

[Sarah Rees · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s time to treat yourself. Join an endearing, funny, feisty, combative group of friends, past and present.

Take a compelling, sometimes disquieting, but frequently fabulous, trip through queer culture from the swinging 60s to the present day. And immerse yourself in a visceral depiction of bonkers, beautiful London by the sea.

Enjoy an affectionate dig at the advertising industry and the easily recognisable inhabitants of this mad, mad, marvellous world.

Add to it all an intriguing, ultimately shocking, mystery, peopled with funny, crazy, glamorous characters. What’s not to love?

Move over Armistead Maupin, there’s a new kid (well, early-middle-aged man - sorry Daren - in town. And that town, of course, is mesmerising Brighton.

[Julia Tolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now in later life, with close personal experience of the persecution, distress, death from HIV, casting aside which gay people have suffered and continue to, 'The Brightonians' has come as a joyous celebration.
Amongst the books which contain references to my ancestors, it is placed alongside Peter Wildeblood's 'Against the Law' and A.D. Harvey's 'Sex in Georgian England'.
The events in Daren Kay's novel are set in locations which are part of my daily round. Often in St. James's Street there's now a welcome spirit lifter to the world of 'The Brightonians' - I become The Seagull!
Manifold praises to Daren - as well as the novel, in a class of its own, he has featured my ancestor, John Spershott, in the Museum's exhibition 'Queer the Pier'.
Looking forward to the next novel,
Julia.

[Kevin Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Daren Kay for the recent delivery of your beautiful new book The Brightonians. Having moved away from Brighton 4 years ago, the city and its lovely folk have been sorely missed. Unfortunately, I’ve not been able to pop back for a while now but I felt the magic of the city again through your wonderful work of fiction. To be able to visit the places I knew so well and meet the characters who popped up to say hello was like being there in person.

Thanks for such care and attention to detail.

[Rory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. I genuinely laughed out loud at the witty dialogue from the keenly observed characters - the bitchy socialites especially tickled me pink. Plus it’s like taking a trip to Brighton on a sunny day with group a of fabulous friends. Just what I needed in lockdown. And I’ll be sure to revisit it whenever I have a hankering for the seaside.

Need a little sunny pick me up? Or just fancy some light-hearted escapism? Give this book a go, it’ll not disappoint.

[andrea deakin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous debut novel. I was hooked from the first page. The novel is well written with believable and likeable characters. It paints a portrait of Brighton and its LGBTQIA+ community over the decades and those who are familiar with Brighton will delight in recognising local landmarks. I found it highly entertaining; I didn't want it to finish. There's more to discover about these characters so I hope there's a sequel.

[Corinna Edwards-Colledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rollicking and witty tale of Brighton beyond the picture-postcards and candy-floss. The seagull, icon of the Bohemian City by the Sea, sees all - and what an adventure it is! As well as being packed with funny and irreverent characters, the narrative also takes us into more emotional territory. Not just a great read as you sit in that deckchair on the beach, but also for whenever you might want to bring a bit of colour and sunshine into your life.

[Tobbe · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the worst book I have ever had the misfortune of reading. I cannot comprehend why every other reviewer is raving about this jumble of poorly strung together words.

Every character is unbearable. The plot is weak. The dialogue is worse.

The 'twist' at the end is borderline offensive, and it comes out of nowhere. What was the point?

0.5 stars is more accurate that 1 star. Do not waste your time reading this.

[Brian Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BRIGHTONIANS. WHAT A GEM!
I ended up reading the novel in one sitting and highly recommend this book.

Colourful queer Brighton I adore with its seagulls zooming in the blue skies above and the quirky delightful fun people of Brighton.

Author Daren Kay shares so eloquently with us, the spirit fun and bitchiness of the LBGTiQ community in Brighton’s Kemp Town.

It’s hilarious. I loved every minute.

The Brightonians is a ‘DELICIOUS’ fun enchanting novel.
6/5 in my opinion.

[Matthew Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

You really don't need to live in Brighton too enjoy this book, it's a great story that pulls you along with a cast of such colourful characters that flavour this little gem. I read it in a weekend which is very unusual for me, I generally take a few weeks to read a book but this is a great page turner.
Highly recommended.

[Mr. Kershaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Brightonians" is a long and lusty love-letter to Queertown-On-Sea. Written with a true insider's knowledge, there's a sharp ear for dialogue, a keen eye for character, and an underlying empathy for the eccentric and the outcast. Pour yourself a cold one and take a dip in these welcoming waters...

[Emma Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snapped this up as soon as it was available, with high hopes for it, and I wasn't disappointed. Like a tale told by a good, funny friend, the author takes you on a sensitive, witty journey en route to the unravelling of a mystery bound by love, friendship, family and the constraints of society. I loved the characters and whether I knew Brighton or not, the tour of people and places was perfect.

[Luke Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fabulous read. It was easy to pick up but I totally got engrossed in the characters and it was then hard to put down. It is a great read in the garden or on holiday. I was very invested in all the characters and loved the hidden storyline that developed throughout, it kept me guessing. Great twists and turns and highly believable. Highly recommendable.

[Glyn Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, as a Brightonian myself, I loved the local references to locations & ‘local celebrities’, but felt it captured an essence of Brighton for anyone who has never visited! I could relate to and recognise many characters, the plot is full of twists and keeps you captivated. This is a brilliant light holiday read :-)

[Ian J Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly researched gripping book that weaves interesting colourful characters to that of the local area, but you need not be a 'Brightonian' to enjoy this book. A perfect debut novel from Daren Kay wrapped in the beautiful art of Sarah Arnett. Already looking forward to the next, will that one keep us guessing too?

[Leo Tarring · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and its colourful cast of characters. Charming, poignant and laugh-out-loud funny, it’s the perfect read for a cosy afternoon. And if you know Brighton, it’s fun to spot all the real-life locations Daren Kay uses to great effect in his unputdownable tale. Brightonian or not, I highly recommend.

[Helen Tolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, I was drawn in immediately. It is a mix of fascinating characters, gay history and the discovery of old films and letters from years gone bye. A love story with more than one twist, which proves to be quite revealing ( in many ways ) and very entertaining, Can’t wait for the next book Daren