Neon Roses

LoveReading Says

“‘What now?’ he says. ‘You going to be a real dyke, shave your head and move to London?’ 

‘I think that’s going a bit far. Maybe Cardiff and a trim.’” 

This novel set amongst the mining strikes in 1980s Wales, made me think of the film Pride – literally everyone’s favourite queer film about a group of London Gay and Lesbian Activists raising money for the miners in Thatcherite Britain – but instead of it being focused on the Londoners, it’s from the point of view of one of the Welsh.

Eluned is supporting her striking boyfriend and putting herself on the picket, even with her sister’s violent policeman boyfriend, when the Gays and Lesbians arrive in their town – and Eluned is drawn to short-haired, leather-jacketted, snaggle-toothed June. But could she really leave her boyfriend, her family, her future, to join some kind of dyke squat?

Yes, yes she could. Fans of 80s music will also appreciate the way Dawson gives a playlist throughout, like a soundtrack to its film.

I found reading this historical coming-of-age invigorating and inspiring to the power of queers to band together and campaign for change in times of political strife. Eluned is a charming companion, someone who is consistently underestimated and patronised, whether for her welshness, her body size, her long hair, all of which makes readers root for her even more keenly. Plus, hooray, there’s lots of sex!

Reviewed by Billy Lindon
Lily Lindon (Billy) is a writer, editor, and bookseller living in London.
More reviews by Billy Lindon

About Neon Roses

Eluned Hughes is stuck. It's 1984 in a valley in south Wales: the miners' strike is ravaging her community; her sister's swanned off with a Thatcherite policeman; and her boyfriend Lloyd keeps bringing up marriage. And if they play '99 Red Balloons' on the radio one more time, she might just lose her mind.

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