The Book of Coventry

About

As German bombs rain down on the city during the Blitz, a teenage girl discovers she has unearthly abilities…

A young woman by the name of Godiva finds herself being stalked by mysterious graffiti sprayed across the city…

On his first shift, a tour bus guide decides to go off route, taking his only passenger along for the ride…

Often overshadowed by its higher-profile Midlands neighbours, Coventry’s quiet demeanour conceals a steadfast spirit of resilience and resourcefulness. From rebuilding itself after the devastation of WWII, to overcoming huge social-economic decline during the 1970s and 80s, Coventry has long been a city of resolve and rebirth, a place used to picking itself up and dusting itself down. The stories gathered here attest to this fortitude, following a host of characters who see their own myriad struggles reflected in the city’s sometimes precarious development. From the young Asian girl witnessing National Front marches on her own street, to the alienated newcomer who burrows deep into local history for distraction, these stories reveal the steely tenacity that underpins this most unassuming and fascinating of UK cities.

Press

‘As much as the story-telling, the fun of a collection like this often lies in the chance to re-imagine familiar locations in unexpected ways…  knowledge of the city’s geography invites readers to bring their own memories into play so that the book itself becomes a tool for creating community.’ - Stella Backhouse in Here Comes Everyone

‘I loved The Book of Coventry, and I’m keen to give it another go very soon… I thoroughly enjoyed being sent (back…) to Coventry, and I may well just treat myself to another city break at some point – and if I do, I know just who to turn to.’ - Tony's Reading List  

Editor Raef Boylan and contributing author Andrew Davies interviewed by Vic Minett on BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire - BBC Sounds

Thanks to Coventry South MP and general legend Zarah Sultana for introducing The Book of Coventry at the launch in September.