2 Books Published by Arcadia Books on AALBC — Book Cover Collage

This gritty novel tells of Brenton Brown and his fatal love for Juliet, a woman he soon learns is his half-sister. The struggle each wages to resist the other has far-reaching consequences for the lives they are attempting to lead. This is a story about family ties, forbidden love, and the hard knocks of life on the streets of South London. Riven with robust humor, unforgettable characters, flawlessly accurate dialogue, and towering emotion, this is Alex Wheatle at his best. "Compelling."—Publishers Weekly.

Set against the backdrop of the Brixton race riots in London in the 1980s, this novel tells a story of overcoming obstacles from a teen’s perspective. Brenton Brown, a 16-year-old mixed-race youth, has lived in a children’s home all his life and is haunted by the absence of his mother. Complications arise, however, when he finally meets his mother and then falls dangerously in love with his half-sister. Killer Terry Flynn also scars Brenton’s life and leaves him wanting revenge. Through it all, this determined teen is driven to pursue education and recognize his true self in the midst of chaos.