The Smithdown Litfest is excited to launch THE SMITHDOWN LITFEST BIG READ 2025. In partnership with Liverpool Libraries & Information Services we present our reading list of books with a strong connection to our community.
The books in the reading list are:
- written by/about people with a link to the Smithdown Litfest area (L8, L15, L17 and L18)
- have/had a career in words (actor, author, broadcaster, journalist, musician)
- have/had national or international success and recognition in their field
A selection of these books will be displayed and available to borrow from Liverpool Central Library, Toxteth Library (L8), Wavertree Library (L15), Sefton Park Library (L17) and Allerton Library (L18) from Thursday 25th September, to coincide with the start of this year’s Smithdown Litfest.
These books will be available for loan from the libraries listed above:
Bonjour, Mademoiselle!: April Ashley and the pursuit of a lovely life
The glittering story of April Ashley, model and trans pioneer, and the divorce case that gripped 1970s Britain. The biography of April Ashley who was born L15 by Jacqueline Kent and Tom Roberts. (ISBN: 9781915590329)
An Awfully Big Adventure
It is 1950 and the Liverpool repertory theatre company is rehearsing its Christmas production of Peter Pan. Stella has been hired as an assistant stage manager, and creates an entirely different drama in which O’Hara is doomed to play the lead. A novel written by Beryl Bainbridge who lived in L8. (ISBN: 9780349116150)
Foster Kid: A Liverpudlian Childhood
‘Foster Kid’ is a moving and candid memoir from the actor best known for his roles as Denzil in Only Fools and Horses and Horse in The Full Monty, about a young boy’s life spent in care, his troubled youth and how one lucky break got him to where he is today. The autobiography of Paul Barber who lived in L8, L17 and L18. (ISBN: 9780751539127)
Weaveworld
Cal Mooney is mysteriously drawn towards an old house in Liverpool. There – in the form of a carpet – he sees a world taking shape that he knows he wants to be a part of. Weaveworld is a magical place where good and evil clash. Fantasy fiction novel by Clive Barker, who lived and went to school in L18. (ISBN: 9780006483007)
When Courage Calls: Josephine Butler and the radical pursuit of justice for women
Among the first feminist activists, Butler raised public awareness of the plight of destitute women, worked to address human trafficking and led a vigorous campaign to secure equal rights for women before the law. Social historian Sarah C. Williams presents a re-examined biography of the radical political activist Josephine Butler who lived in L8. (ISBN: 9781399803731)
It’s Getting Hot in Here
Lisa Darling – high-flying TV-exec and twice-divorced mother-of-two – has enough on her plate without having to deal with the handsome New Yorker parachuted in to her best friend’s job at work. She’s already navigating life with a grotty teenage son, organising a PTA cheese & wine event, supporting her oldest friend through breast cancer treatment and, since she hit 47, facing a new perimenopause symptom every day. So when Lisa starts feeling overheated every time she clashes with Zach Russo, she convinces herself it will pass. Maybe her HRT just needs adjusting. Until, that is, she finds herself in a sexy – and seriously ill-advised – clinch with him. And then another… All of which leads to one question: these long-forgotten feelings couldn’t be caused by something else entirely… could they? Romantic comedy novel by Jane Costello who went to school in L17. (ISBN: 9781399739351)
Bigger Than the Beatles: Liverpool’s Mersey Beat Goes On
Highly-respected author Bill Harry goes on the record with his unique inside knowledge of the Liverpool music scene. A fascinating and entertaining insight into the cultural phenomenon that was Merseyside in the 1960s. Featuring rare and exclusive photographs from the archives. Documents the success of Mersey Beat and beyond, from global superstars to hidden gems – a must for any music fan. Music history non-fiction written by Bill Harry who was born in L8. (ISBN: 9781906802042)
Selected and Unpublished: Poems 1965 – 2000
Poet, painter of international repute, librettist, playwright, rock-and-roll provocateur, Adrian Henri was at the centre of Liverpool’s cultural awakening in the 1960s. Friend and confidante of Ginsberg and the Beats, Henri put on the first ‘happening’ in the UK and his work formed one third of the The Mersey Sound – the best-selling poetry anthology of all time. This new volume presents a selection of the poet’s most famous work, as well as the unpublished collection he was working on at the time of his death. A selection of Henri’s paintings and reminiscences by critically acclaimed writers and long-time friends of Henri, such as Carol Ann Duffy and Roger McGough, round out this essential volume. Poetry by Adrian Henri who lived in L8, edited by Catherine Marcangeli. (ISBN: 9781846311048)
Dead Man Walking
Detective Rick Turner spent months building a case against notorious crime boss Thomas Unwin. But Unwin has one final trick up his sleeve to turn the trial in his favour: he has Rick’s girlfriend, Jess, kidnapped in a plan to coerce Rick into throwing his own testimony. Crime fiction novel by M K Murphy (aka Smithdown Litfest Patron Margaret Murphy) who was born and lived in L15. (ISBN: 9780008618254)
The Mouthless Dead
One night in 1931 William Wallace was handed a phone message at his chess club from a Mr Qualtrough, asking him to meet at an address to discuss some work. Wallace caught a tram from the home he shared with his wife, Julia, to the address which turned out, after Wallace had consulted passers-by and even a policeman, to not exist. On returning home two hours later he found his wife beaten to death in the parlour. The elaborate nature of his alibi pointed to Wallace as the culprit. He was arrested and tried, found guilty of murder and sentenced to hang, but the next month the Court of Criminal Appeal sensationally overturned the verdict and he walked free. The killer was never found. 15 years on, the inspector who worked the case is considering it once more. Speculation continues to be rife over the true killer’s identity. Historical fiction novel – inspired by a true story – by Anthony Quinn who lived in L18. (ISBN: 9780349146928)
Being Human
A heartfelt collection of poignant poems embracing the core of what being human is, coupled with the innate tendencies to judge and prioritise each others significance as human beings. Poetry by Levi Tafari who was born and brought up L8. (ISBN: 9781068710315)
Here are some other books by or about people from the Smithdown area. Please note that while many of these titles are available from bookshops, some are out of print. They can be found in second hand bookshops and online and may be available to order from libraries.
The Other Side of the Street
Jean Alexander’s irresistible, unforgettable memoir, tells not only of her years as Hilda Ogden, and of her fellow actors on Coronation Street, but also growing up in Liverpool and her career before Corrie. The autobiography of Jean Alexander who was born and lived in L8. (ISBN: 9780006376088)
Forgotten Heroes of Comedy
Robert Ross asks why the fame of some comedians, such as Laurel and Hardy or Morecambe and Wise, has endured long after their deaths, while others, famous in their day, have been forgotten. This alphabetical survey of comedians from both sides of the Atlantic profiles more than 100 former household names including Avril Angers who was born in L17 and lived in L15, written by Robert Ross. (ISBN: 9781783529186)
The Onedin Line: The Shipmaster
The first in a series of books set in Liverpool between 1860 and 1886, about a shipping line, the Onedin Line, named after its owner James Onedin. The series covers important developments in shipping, and the role it played in the politics of the time, including the international slave trade. Historical Fiction novel by Cyril Abraham who lived in L15 and L18. (ISBN: 9780426071143)
Before Your Very Eyes
An autobiography full of anecdotes and memories from the much-loved comedian and actor Arthur Askey who was born in L8 and lived in L17. (ISBN: 9780713001341)
See also:
I Thank You: The Arthur Askey Story by Anthony Slide
Arthur Askey was one of Britain’s most popular entertainers throughout much of the 20th Century. He began to appear on the stage and on radio, and in 1938, with Richard Murdoch, he introduced Band Wagon to BBC radio listeners. It soon became the most popular program on the air, and launched Askey’s career as a film star (one of Britain’s biggest), a major entertainer in pantomime and on the legitimate stage, and ensured an easy transition some years later into television.
(ISBN: 9781629335612)
The Book What I Wrote: Eric, Ernie and Me
This is the hilarious memoir of one of Britain’s best-loved comedy writers, whose scripts for Morecambe and Wise catapulted the duo to stardom. This is as much a biography of the charismatic Eric and Ernie as it is an autobiography of Eddie Braben – the man whose gags made them stars – who was born in L8. (ISBN: 9780340833735)
Ancient Images
Tower of Fear is a lost horror film starring Karloff and Lugosi. A film historian who locates a copy dies while fleeing something that terrified him. His friend Sandy Allan vows to prove he found the film. She learns how haunted the production was and the survivors of it still are. It contains a secret about Redfield, a titled family that owns a favourite British food, Staff o’ Life. The Redfield land has uncanny guardians, and one follows Sandy home. To maintain its fertility Redfield demands a sacrifice, and a band of new age travellers is about to set up camp there … Horror fiction by Ramsay Campbell who was born in L8 and lived in L15. (ISBN: 9781787587656)
Summer Nights at the Moonlight Hotel
Lauren Scott lives in ‘The most romantic place in Britain’, but her love life is about as successful as her mountain climbing skills. The man she’s obsessed over for two years has proposed to someone else. But when her friends sign her up for a dance class – in the same historic hotel where her beloved dad worked and her most precious childhood memories were formed – Lauren makes a horrifying discovery. It’s been sold to a faceless budget chain, which has depressing plans in store. Worse, the entrepreneur behind it all turns out to be among a group of guys her friend Cate roped in to join the very same salsa class they’ve signed up for … Romantic comedy by Jane Costello who went to school in L17. (ISBN: 9781471149115)
Halfway to Paradise – The Life of Billy Fury
From Billy’s troubled childhood in Liverpool, via gold and silver lamé, to his later years as a farming ornithologist and a comeback cut short by his premature death, David and Caroline Stafford’s sparkling biography brings to life this captivating performer. Billy knew everybody, auditioned The Beatles to be his backing band, met and out-handsomed Elvis, partied with Keith Moon and hosted acid parties. Yet, throughout the mayhem, he always remained true to himself: diffident and amused. Biography of Billy Fury who was born and lived in L8 written by David and Caroline Stafford. (ISBN: 9781785584534)
That Man: A Memory of Tommy Handley by Bill Grundy
Tommy Handley was known to millions through the war years and after simply as ‘that man’. Every Thursday and Sunday, his cheeky yet comforting voice went out over the airwaves in BBC Radio’s ITMA, a zany creation of Handley, Ted Kavanagh and Francis Worsley supported by a versatile and talented cast. Bill Grundy surveys this unique entertainer’s life, from his impoverished childhood in Liverpool through the early days of concert party and music hall to the happy coincidence of the birth of the wireless at the right time for this natural radio comedian. Biography of Tommy Handley who was born in L8 and lived in L17. (ISBN: 9780241893449)
Rex: An Autobiography
One of the theatre’s most sophisticated and magnetic personalities tells about his life, his loves, and his pursuit of happiness. Rex Harrison is best remembered by millions of Americans for his superb performances as Professor Henry Higgins in the stage and screen versions of My Fair Lady, for which he received an Oscar. The path that led from a one-line professional part at the Liverpool Repertory to his international triumphs was not all rose-strewn. Whether Mr. Harrison is writing about his touring days or his performances in London as the bombs fell, serving in the Royal Air Force or sampling la dolce vita in Hollywood, creating his own villa at Portofino or waiting on location for the next extravagant film take, his humour and sense of proportion never desert him. Autobiography of Rex Harrison who lived in L8 and L17. (ISBN: 9780333168288)
Before He Kills Again
A serial predator stalks the streets of Liverpool. Seven victims so far. And he’s already chosen the next. The police can’t catch him. He leaves no trace. No one has been able to provide a reliable description. Detective Cassie Rowan goes undercover in a dangerous game of cat and mouse through the teeming backstreets of Liverpool. But how long will it be before he turns the tables and begins hunting her? Crime fiction novel by Margaret Murphy who was born and brought up in L15. (ISBN: 9781789314625)
Dangerous to Know: An Autobiography
Harry Chapman Pincher is a legend among journalists. As an investigative reporter, he struck terror into those trying to hide the murky secrets of state. After early careers as a teacher, a scientist and a soldier, Chapman Pincher joined Lord Beaverbrook’s then all-powerful Daily Express in the summer of 1945 and quickly became the master of the journalistic scoop. When he finally retired from journalism, the leaks kept coming, leading to a series of best-selling books on the infiltration of Britain’s intelligence services by Moscow which culminated in the allegation in Their Trade is Treachery that the head of MI5, was a Soviet spy. Colourful, indiscreet and compelling, this life of a true journalistic colossus also reveals the secret history of the century he bestrode. Autobiography of Chapman Pincher who lived in L8. (ISBN: 9781849546515)
So What Did You Expect? A Memoir
The award-winning, celebrated playwright and scriptwriter, twin brother of Peter Shaffer, here pens his compelling and at times hilarious memoir. This anecdote-packed memoir takes us from Anthony’s early, anonymous crime writing days with his brother, to his years as a gifted copywriter in advertising, through to his experiments with law. In 1971 his life changed with the production of Sleuth, which became the most famous play of its time. He got to know many actors well, including Lawrence Olivier, and worked closely with Alfred Hitchcock and Agatha Christie (he was the one responsible for transferring The Mousetrap to the theatre it was never to leave). More than just a portrait of a bygone age and a life lived to the full. Autobiography of Anthony Shaffer who loved in L8. (ISBN: 9780330390439)
When One Door Closes
When One Door Closes is a hugely entertaining account of the distinguished and popular 45-year career of one of television’s best-known anchors. Funny, hard hitting, and savage where his feelings are strongest, Sissons has seen both the BBC and commercial television at their best and their worst, and has original and highly readable views on what he has encountered. Autobiography of Peter Sissons who lived and went to school in L18. (ISBN: 9781849540759)
Liverpool Experience
Liverpool Experience is a poetic response to the politics and culture of the 1980’s. In a decade of political disputes/ unrest, riots, oppressive regimes and cultural change. Levi’s pen beats out tongue rhythms on the page in a dub style to give a voice to those whom challenged the system at that time. Poetry by Levi Tafari who was born and brought up in L8. (ISBN: 9783925077135)
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Ian Skillicorn, Founder and Director of the Smithdown Litfest says: “Liverpool has a proud tradition of storytelling, and this is clear from the wealth of literary talent that has come out of the Smithdown area over many decades. We hope you’ll be inspired to read these books by and about some of the fascinating and talented people from our own community. ”
Denise Jones, Head of Central Library says: “Liverpool Libraries & Information Services are delighted to support the Smithdown Litfest which has gone from strength to strength every year with wonderful and inspiring content. We hope the book displays, freely available to view at libraries near the festival events, will be equally inspiring, and encourage attendees to widen their reading choices and connect them to new authors and genres.”
Acknowledgement: Some of the information about the birthplace and homes of a number of authors in these lists was found on the invaluable resource https://www.liverpoolfootprint.co.uk/ by Alan Burnham.