The Outsiders (hardback)

James Corbett

‘A gripping and ambitious debut novel’ Nick Harris, Mail on Sunday

SHORTLISTED: Portico Prize

Liverpool 1981. As the city burns during inner city riots, Paul meets two people who will change his life: Nadezhda, an elusive poet who has fallen out of fashion; and her daughter Sarah, with whom he shares an instant connection. As the summer reaches its climax his feelings for both are tested amidst secrets, lies and the unravelling of Nadezhda wartime past. It is an experience that will define the rest of his life.

The Outsiders moves from early-80s Liverpool, via Nadezhda’s clandestine past in war-torn Europe and through to the present day, taking in the global and local events that shape all three characters.

In a powerful story of hidden histories, lost loves and painful truths ambitiously told against the backdrop of Liverpool’s fall and rise, James Corbett’s enthralling debut novel explores the complexities of human history and how individual perspectives of the past shape everyone’s present.

‘A gripping debut novel: part love story, part mystery and part love letter to a city’ Nick Harris, Mail on Sunday

‘It’s fabulous. A great read and a great story, by one of our own’ Sean Styles, BBC Radio Merseyside

‘A novel full of intrigue, where Liverpool – its history, culture and atmosphere – shines brightly within the pages. This superb debut has leapt into my list of favourite reads’ Buzz Magazine

‘An evocative paean to a city and its people. Fantastically crafted’ James Montague, author of 1312: Among the Ultras

Hardback: 384pp

Published: Lightning (May 2021)

ISBN: 9781785632594