Yorkshire author inspired by grandfather to write book
Added: (Wed Dec 23 2020)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
Inspired by his own grandfather’s remarkable story, new Staffordshire author John Smith has just published his debut novel to critical acclaim.
The epic Principles and Passions 1896-1903 has been met with a growing number of entirely five-star reviews from thrilled readers.
John’s gritty love story, which is set amongst the steel mills of late 19th century South Yorkshire, has been described as ‘a brilliant book’, ‘a vivid account of working-class life’, and ‘a gripping tale of struggle’.
Principles and Passions 1896-1903 centres on the struggles and heroics of Jack Prendergast, who rises from the brutal shopfloor to lead calls for widespread social change.
And the majority of John’s captivating novel is based on his own maternal grandfather’s heroics.
He explained: “Jack Prendergast was my maternal grandfather and, with poetic licence, Principles and Passions 1896-1903 is based on his life.
“He was a full-time trade union officer, who went on to become a Labour councillor and Mayor in South Yorkshire.
“As a boy, he walked from Lincolnshire to Rotherham aged 14 after being thrown out of his home.
“A bit of a Dick Whittington story, I guess.”
Although the romantic aspects of Prendergast’s life in Principles and Passions 1896-1903 are purely fictional, the narrative is both compelling and convincing.
His love-interest, Florence Davies, brings her own story and adds to the sub-plots which weave their way throughout John’s authoritative novel.
He explained: “Florence is fictional albeit my maternal grandmother’s family did move to Yorkshire from Longton in Stoke-on-Trent.
“When Jack meets Florence Davies, he is captivated by her.
“She is brave and resolute and dreams of a career in nursing.
“But Florence is fleeing a terrible secret, and as they are on the verge of beginning a life together her brother, Thomas, is drawn into a disastrous plot which threatens to shatter everything they have.”
Prior to his recent retirement, John enjoyed a successful career in the food industry.
The grandfather’s lifetime wait to become a writer is all the more remarkable as his father had banned him as a child from regular visits to the library.
John explained: “I was an avid reader from early days, but my father, who was a police officer, suggested I should not go to the local library everyday as my motives might be suspicious.
“Like most children I wrote stories but my drive to write was always there, only interrupted by a career.”
Since the release of Principles and Passions 1896-1903 it has received a string of five-star reviews.
Reviewer Jennifer T stated: “What a great read… seriously couldn’t put it down.”
John is currently working on the sequel to Principles and Passions 1896-1903, and he is also planning on a concluding third book.
For more details, visit Amazon and search for John D Smith, where the paperback and Kindle formats of Principles and Passions 1896-1903 are both available.
Notes to the editor
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