Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this book in exchange for a fair and frank review.

This was about a young boy trying to change the way people see him. Marcus is from an old style council area and his family are poor. His family are feared within the community. Marcus is different from them but no one cares until he meets Emma who doesn’t care where he is from. Between them they work so hard to repair his image which is not easy as people have long memories of the trouble they have caused. Through getting involved in community activities people begin to see the person Marcus truly is. It is not the same with his family however, but he is a changed boy with friends and a future he has written for himself.

This was a beautiful story.

Due to health issues cannot write a proper review now
A more extensive review will follow. Many thanks to the publisher

An interesting book to discuss in class or in a book club. Marcus is a Pritchard which automatically makes him bad. Dishonest, disruptive; it’s only matter of time before he is in Farm School like his brother Carl. So, with this reputation to live up to, it’s not surprising that Marcus can a be disruptive nuisance just as expected. Only Mick, the old man next door and Emma, a student activist seem to see beyond the unkind labeling and treat him as someone who is smart and kind and has a positive contribution to make. As he starts to broaden his horizons and follow his new interests, Marcus struggles with the criminal expectations of his family. Then Mick gets badly injured when a lorry in the carnival explodes and fingers are pointed at Marcus.

We see how society can be cruel, putting labels on people almost from birth. Marcus isn’t happy with his life. His mum only has eyes for his older brother Gavin who is destructive, vicious and seems to always be looking for way to hurt Marcus, emotionally or physically. She has no interest in Marcus at all. His Dad is someone to be very careful with and certainly not to be crossed. He misses his (other) brother Carl a lot as he was nice to him and also was a very reluctant player in the ‘family business’. Marcus is the only one to go visit him in the school for delinquents. There are some similarities with Night Bus Hero and both books are worth reading y and discussing.

My favourite Lesley Parr book so far and I've enjoyed all of them. Set in Wales, this story centres around a completely loveable character with a challenging background and family. Full of connection with a cast of real and authentic characters, it's poignant, hopeful and heart-warming. I loved the burgeoning on/off friendship between Marcus and Emma and the intergenerational friendship with Marcus' neighbour. The background of The Cold War also offers a really interesting angle and I enjoyed how the trials of village life are explored within a bigger picture.

Great point of view in a ‘bad family, bad kid’ story.

This reminded me a little of There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom, which told a story from the bully's point of view. Though here, our protagonist isn't a bully himself - his family's reputation and the locals' expectations of him have him seen as a bad kid, or even acting up to their assumptions.

Marcus' parents are always planning thefts, along with his older brother (who seemed to me a lot like Billy Caspar's older brother in Kes). His much-loved other brother is in a youth offender institution after getting involved, against his will. Now Marcus is under pressure to play a larger role in the 'family business'. Though the whole town knows about their family, and wherever he goes Marcus is tainted by their presumptions and wariness.

Though one girl seems to see past this - Emma, taking part in nuclear protests. And Marcus' older neighbour, who has a secret fallout shelter in his garden. They both seem to be willing to give Marcus a chance. Which is what nobody else ever does. Though new loyalties are tested after an explosive incident with serious injuries resulting lays the blame squarely at the innocent Marcus' door.

A wonderful story about friendship, seeing past stereotypes and working out for yourself who you want to be. Marcus and Emma are great characters, his elder brother eminently unlikeable (same as Marcus' mum and dad), and a time setting that feels 80s/90s but isn't explicit, so feels again (like Where the River Takes Us, also by Parr) like the films of my childhood.

Excellent writing. For ages 10 and above.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

Marcus Pritchard comes from a notorious family, but can he break away from the expectations everyone else has of him?

This is another brilliant children's book by Lesley Parr, excelling in the character-driven dramas of everyday life in a way that is accessible for children to understand and exploring what it means to make hard choices, set yourself aside from expectations and fight for something bigger than yourself. There's unlikely friendships, discussions on nuclear war, even a mystery. Just a great book overall and perfect for anyone who wants a book with an important message.

Oh wow! I finished this about an hour ago and I am buzzing! It is a beautifully written story about Marcus Pritchard and his family. A family whose name taints his life. In fact I could say there were boys like Marcus in my village in the 1980s. I'd say this is aimed at children age 11+. Set in the days of teh Cold War and impending Nuclear War.

Marcus is the youngest (age 13) of three boys who live in Pentre Mawr, Wales. Carl is in Farm School (a type of children's prison/school) because he made a mistake when trying to impress their father (a tough guy, who treats his wife well and his boys badly). Gavin is Mum's favourite, and he is downright nasty especially to Marcus.

Marcus has always been friends with Jezza but they've fallen out so he has no one to hang out with. Marcus has been suspended from school, for blowing up the Science lab! His teacher says he does it to get attention, but he gets that anyway just because he is a Pritchard. Hew gets suspended for the last few days of term.
On his way home, he sees the 'Ban the Bomb' protest by the council building. He recognises a girl from school at the protest. Then he sees Mick Rowlands from down the road, he asks for help....no one ever asks him to help, and he's about to say no when Vera says Mick should be careful asking him so just to spite her he says yes. Mick calls him a good boy!
When he gets home all that bothers Mum is that they'll have to pay for the damage. He goes to get her washing off the line but gets annoyed with Gavin being Gavin and throws a stone at him...which smashes the window. He runs away from the house, he'll sleep somewhere else tonight. Until Gavin and his friend find him in an alley. But his saviour isn't what he expects - it's her the girl from the protest. He's not happy though. He needs somewhere safer, he goes to Mick's garden, and finds a door....does he really have a nuclear bunker?

The story continues with Marcus realising that some see beyond the Pritchard name....until the day of the Carnival. The day he's supposed to be on a Ban the Bomb float with Emma. But he has to do as Dad says and be a lookout at the Colton factory job. He doesn't know when the rest of his family will be there and then he makes a decision, Being on that float with Emma and the others from the protest is more important than being Dad's lookout. But she is super angry and won't let him on the float. He sits with Mick and watches until the lorry starts to belch out smoke, Mick tries to look at the engine and...

No child should be held back by the family that he lives with. No child should not be able to be themself. No child should be held responsible for their families life choices.
Utterly loved this book.

Fallout is a fascinating look at the early eighties through the eyes of teenagers in a Welsh valley. Taking in being a bit of an outlaw, the anti-nuclear movement and friendships tested to the limits. It's slice of the eighties feels very authentic from my distant memories.

Usually Lesley Parr, one of my favourite authors, concentrates her stories on the World War 2 era. They're meticulously researched and bring to life ordinary lives in the era. They're also compassionate stories, a real slice of life. Lesley has that knack of being able to make these eras come to life in the same way as Phil Earle and Robert Swindels. Tales of ordinary people living their lives.

Fallout is no different. Sure, the story is set in the turbulent era of the eighties, but you instantly are transported there with a writing style that puts you straight into the protagonists' lives. Marcus is a boy who is never given a chance by either his teachers or the local community. His family are into light crime. It would appear that Marcus will be following down the same rabbit hole, but yet he wants to be rid of their mad ideas. His elder brother is at 'Farm School', ie borstal, and encourages him to not be drawn into the family business. Emma is a bit of an outsider. She doesn't run with the herd but has strong views, especially on nuclear war. Add into this a pensioner Mick, who's building a nuclear shelter. Stand back and light the touch paper.

The characters in the book are well formed. Loved the way they interacted, each bringing the best out of each other. It's a story of not judging people by what they appear to be but looking under the surface and finding there's good in everyone. Except maybe not Gavin... Emma was my favourite character; I saw a lot of myself in her views at that age. Add in references to the Jam and I was hooked from the first page.

Another cracking novel from Lesley Parr. I can't wait to read more from her. Highly recommended to schools as a class read.

An emotional story that we found was pitched just right for our family reading group. A lovely story about family and finding your own way in life. Another hit for Lesley Parr.

Growing up in a family of criminals in a tightknit community in Wales, Marcus Pritchard feels as though he has already been condemned to a certain way of life by the actions of his relatives. It is tough to make your own way in the world when so many people judge you by the company you keep, even if it is due to your blood ties.

When Emma arrives in town, things are different. She does not seem to view Marcus in the way that others do.

But perhaps it won't matter in the end. Because an old man has ended up in hospital, and Marcus is being blamed for it. Can he find a way to escape his toxic family legacy and live up to the promise that Emma sees in him?

This is a moving story about the struggle to be seen for who you are, rather than the person that people who don't know you well have nevertheless decided that you are. And the realisation that ultimately being true to yourself is the most important form of loyalty that anyone can demonstrate.

Marcus's family is known in the town, for all the wrong reasons and everyone assumes he's a chip off the old block. One brother in a youth offender centre, the other plotting the next big robbery with their father. But Marcus is not like the rest of his famiky and, in spite of everything, hopes for better.

When someone gets badly hurt in a mysterious accident, the community blames Marcus, a likely culprit given his family's reputation. He can't see a way out. Only his new friend Emma - a peace activist - questions the status quo. Will they be able, together, to prove Marcus's innocence and save his future?

With Fallout, Lesley Parr gives us another amazing story where every single character feel incredibly alive and real, and you can't help rooting for the hero. Fallout is a subtle piece of historical fiction and social commentary but also, most of all, a very exciting and engaging story that will touch every heart.

I really enjoyed this book. The main characters were engaging and interesting and the story moved at a great pace. The central family conflict was carefully covered and would provide great talking points if used in a classroom situation. The backdrop of the Cold War, political protest and the threat of nuclear annihilation was also well done, without ever being overly preachy or forced. I also liked the way the author looked at how people are quick to judge others based on their family or background, without giving them time to demonstrate otherwise. Often leading to a self fulfilling prophesy as that person then feel ostracised and angry.
But for me the highlight was the three central characters, the dynamics of their realtionships to each other and the growing connections they forge. This was beautifully written.

Fallout was another Lesley Parr read that I couldn’t put down, but probably suffered somewhat from being read in the same 24-hour period as the impeccable Where the River Takes Us. I found Fallout to be less emotionally resonant, and I am not sure it will stick with me to the same extent. However, as with Parr's other works, Fallout presents a wonderful snippet of a particular period of time in South Wales. The emphasis is definitely on characters rather than plot (although there is still plenty of intrigue to keep the reader engaged). With perhaps the exception of Marcus' family, who occasionally slip into villainous caricature, the reader is treated to a town full of well-fleshed-out and multi-faceted people. I will definitely be reading more Lesley Parr again in the near future.

This is a great story exploring the merits of friendship, acceptance and overcoming societies expectations because of your familial ties.

I really loved the development of the characters and as as someone who as a child grew up in the South Wales Valleys, I really felt at home reading this book. There were characters I recognised from my own childhood, phrases I haven't heard in years and a longing to read on to keep the feeling of home alive.

Children will get a great moral message out of this but it is just as enjoyable for adults, with lots of references that if you grew up within the time period this is set or have parents who did and have heard the stories numerous times, you will appreciate. The tone and language used in this book is both easy to read, but not childish, and sophisticated enough for children of the target audience. Although I would say if you are not familiar with welsh culture and language you may have to resort to google to understand some of these references!

All in all, although not what I would normally read, I thoroughly enjoyed this story, its messages and the characters and world Lesley has built. in Fallout.

Lesley Parr is my favourite contemporary children’s author. I found Valley of Lost Secrets by chance and was haunted by the writing and the incredible story with echos of Carrie’s War. Since then her writing has just got better and better if that is even possible.
Fallout is the story of Marcus. He’s the kid from ‘that family’, the ‘Pritchards’ - the family with the reputation, the family you always give a wide birth, the family which everyone knows. That family is frankly dodgy and alway up to no good. One of the brothers, Carl, got caught and is now spending time at ‘The Farm School’ (Borstal!), but this hasn’t deterred them. Ignored by his Mother, bullied by his brother, Marcus’ feels trapped by the family’s reputation. Unable to escape the label, he feels forced into living up to it. At school he is friendless and constantly in trouble. That is until he meets Emma, who is a peace activist and Mick who has built a nuclear bomb shelter. Both of them can see beyond the label. This is 1980s Wales with Woolworths, chocolate mice and The Jam.. and the Cold War..
There are many things which set Lesley’s work apart. She weaves social history seamlessly into her narratives; in this book conjuring up the nervousness of the Cold War years, the music, clothes, language, food..All the memories came flooding back. This is such a brilliant way of giving children a sense of history.
Lesley’s characters always feel familiar..so fully fleshed I feel I might have met them. She paints an all too frequent picture of children who don’t fit in and lose their way without people who believe in them. Friendship is always at the heart of her stories, redeeming difficult situations. She is especially skilled in her observation of the particular dynamics of boy girl friendships. I loved the friendship between Emma and Marcus.
This is a book which keeps you reading, superbly plotted, edge of the seat..unputdownable!

Huge thanks to Bloomsbury and Netgalley for my digital copy of this wonderful book.

I enjoyed this book and I like that Marcus doesn't want to be like the rest of the family he just wants to be him.

Everyone has already made up their mind about Marcus Pritchard. He’s no good just like the rest of his family. He’d say that wasn’t true except, Marcus also just got suspended from school and is always getting into fights so maybe they’re right. When Mick Rowlands with the bomb shelter in his back garden trusts him to help with some odd jobs and a girl from school who goes to peaceful protests instead of class sticks up for him too, Marcus isn’t quite sure what to do with people who listen to him and aren’t automatically expecting him to steal stuff off them. He’s sure they’ll change their minds about him if they find out about the jobs he has to do for his family but being around Mick and Emma is kind of nice. Spending time with them makes him start to question if he’d rather make different choices.

This is a beautiful story about choosing your own path and not letting other people decide who you are for you. There is an emotional honesty to the characters, a brilliantly backdrop of a tight-knit Welsh community during the Cold War and there’s Lesley Parr’s signature theme of what can happen when just one person believes in you. Another heartfelt modern classic.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for gifting me an ARC of Fallout in return for a fair and honest review.



TL;DR: An engrossing story of a boy navigating his criminal family and new friendship with a peace activist in the early 1980s that while doesn’t have a strong plot, makes up for it with great characterisations that hooks you from the start.



Fallout is the story of Marcus, a fourteen-year-old boy belonging to the towns’ criminal family, as he navigates family troubles, a new friendship with peace activist Emma, and a false accusation that leads to him confronting some hard truths about himself and the family he’s been brought up in. Rather than a really plot-heavy, Fallout is more of a sketch of this particular point in Marcus’ life with a few mysteries and conflicts to unravel but there’s no clear mission that drives it forward. Instead, it feels more thematic. Exploring themes like prison, family, activism, and overcoming people’s expectations, through Marcus’ encounters with each of these themes rather than having a streamlined, heavily plotted adventure that grazes these issues. It suits a book like this, and Parr writes it very well.

And really, for a book like this to work, the characters need to be rock solid, and they are perhaps the book’s biggest strength. Marcus is a really engaging main character that you can’t help but root for and Emma’s enthusiasm rubs off on you and is a great foil to Marcus’ worn pessimism. The myriad of side characters too that help Marcus through his journey are all distinct, well-written, and only strengthen the narrative.

All in all, this is a great family drama for UKS2 and going into the early years of KS3. It’s got a great driving cast of characters that really drive this understated plot. Well worth adding to historical fiction collections.

We really enjoyed Where the River Takes Us by Lesley Parr so we were excited to hear that she was publishing another book this year.

Marcus is the youngest of three brothers and is very much expected to follow in their felonous footsteps, against his better judgement and eventually, his wishes. When he makes an unlikely friend, he decides to follow his heart and not head into the family business but they have other ideas. He has a very difficult choice to make and when someone ends up in hospital, all fingers point to him. Can he clear his name and become the person he so desperately wants to be?

Covering themes of friendship, bullying, family loyalties, family rifts and social activism, this was full of nostalgia for the adults reading it and our Book Clubbers really enjoyed reading about Marcus's plight however, whilst technically this is aimed at children 9+, we would advise 10+ as a starting point. The nod to Findus Crispy Pancakes was greatly appreciated by us and when we explained to the Book Clubbers what these were, they were keen to try them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for sharing this eBook for review consideration. All opinions are our own.

It’s the 1970s and the fear of nuclear war means protests about banning the bomb are being staged.
Marcus is a Pritchard – the local family always blamed for being the wrong side of the law – not always without cause. Even when Marcus wants to do right, it’s assumed he will get into trouble. His next door neighbour doesn’t judge the family, although many of the village judge him for being ‘weird’. Marcus has lost his one ally in the family as one brother is in the local remand centre and when Marcus crosses his violent elder brother he tries to avoid going home. He takes refuge in an underground nuclear shelter a rumour about the neighbour building one in his garden being proved true. When the neighbour discovers him the following morning an unlikely friendship starts to form.
Newcomer Emma doesn’t judge either and wants to see the good side of Marcus, despite a bad start when Marcus targets the anti-nuclear protest Emma is taking a stand on. He finds himself drawn into Emma’s world, miles away from his own upbringing. But when he’s arranged to help out at the local carnival but his Dad says he has to act as look out for a ‘job’ he’s got lined up Marcus’ loyalties are torn.
At times I forgot this was set 50 years ago, but reminders of when sweets cost less than 10p crop up, as does the local dialect, which is easily understood. Marcus, Mick and Emma are great characters working against assumptions about themselves with Marcus the one who needs to get to the stage of the other two in self-belief.