Alma Books are offering three sets of The Summer of Broken Stories by James Wilson, a beautiful novel set in the 1950s, which tells of a young boy’s secret friendship with a man, whom the local villagers have marked out as a dangerous interloper. It deals with powerful themes of first friendships, rebellion and betrayal.
If your Reading Group is selected for a set, we ask only that you share your thoughts either via email, on your Facebook page, or on Twitter using the hashtag #SummerofBrokenStories. The author James Wilson will provide some talking points and is available to answer any questions you have after reading via email.
ABOUT THE BOOK
England, 1950s. While out playing in the woods, ten-year-old Mark meets a man living in an old railway carriage. Despite his wild appearance, the stranger, who introduces himself as Aubrey Hillyard, is captivating – an irreverent outsider who is shunned by Mark’s fellow villagers, and a writer to boot. Aubrey encourages Mark to tell stories about his own make-believe world, and in return he informs the boy about a novel he is writing – a work of ominous science fiction.
As the meddling villagers plot to drive Aubrey out, Mark finds himself caught between two worlds – yet convinced that he must help Aubrey prevail at any cost. Dealing with powerful themes of friendship, rebellion and betrayal, The Summer of Broken Stories is James Wilson’s long-awaited new novel.
“Wilson has a gifted, original voice.” The Daily Telegraph
“This book is so subtle, so moving, so intelligent — it does knock spots off almost everything else around.” Derek Beaven, author of Acts of Mutiny