'A gleeful, page-flipping read' Observer
'The ultimate summer escape' New York Times

One wrong move, one misstep, and the course of a life can be changed for ever.

Annie Perry is born beside the coal-muddied canals of the Black Country at the height of the industrial revolution. At nine years old she is sold for six guineas to the famous and feared bare-knuckle boxer Bill Perry, the Tipton Slasher. From that moment on, Annie will fight - for Bill and for her future.

A whole new world opens up to Annie, one of love, fortune and family, but also of great danger.

About the Author
Mick Kitson was born in South Wales, and studied English at university before launching the prolific '80s pop band The Senators with his brother Jim. He worked as a journalist for several years, then went on to become an English teacher. His debut novel, Sal, was the winner of the Saltire First Book Award. Mick lives in Fife, Scotland.

Reviews
A punchy historical yarn . . . [Kitson] has a fine time with Annie and the Slasher - warm, memorable creations who come punching off the page . . . Featherweight transports the reader to the tough, rapidly industrialising world of the 19th-century Black Country, with its old canals and new railways, the soot of the forges and strikes at the nail factories, via lushly detailed, rhythmical descriptions . . . A gleeful, page-flipping read . . . A rollicking tale, one you'll be glad to take a ringside seat for * * Observer * *
Annie is a lively, appealing character and there is plenty more to enjoy in Kitson's narrative * * Sunday Times, Best New Historical Fiction * *
The ultimate summer escape . . . Sweeping . . . Will transport you to 19th-century England * * New York Times * *
A rollicking historical novel set in the Black Country during the Industrial Revolution . . . Offers plenty to enjoy * * Daily Mail * *

Kitson creates a Dickensian flavour through Black Country dialogue, a strong sense of place (a smut-blackened
industrial town), and colourful characterisation. Detailed descriptions of what goes on in the ring add suspense . . . Readers will love rooting for this great little fighter who easily punches above her weight . . . Compelling

* * Booklist * *
A wonderful novel . . . The themes of Kitson's plot also revolve around themes of rejection, lost hope, vulnerability. But in Annie it also shows us a strong woman, way ahead of her time who decides she can also turn her hand (or fists) to pugilism * * NB Magazine * *
Praise for Sal: Kitson writes clearly and concisely . . . Sal is an ambitious and skilled novel. Literature needs more stories like this -- JENNI FAGAN * * Guardian * *
Daring and original . . . Manages to feel both contemporary and timeless, both heart-rending and uplifting * * Observer * *
Just wonderful. A breath of fresh air in a book. Sal is a story with incredible heart, told so beautifully and with such clarity and grace I can hardly believe it's a debut! I loved it -- JOANNA CANNON, author of THE TROUBLE WITH GOATS AND SHEEP
Sal is an inspiring novel that feels honest and fastidious. It introduces the theme of redemption and fresh beginnings without shying from the awful truth * * Financial Times * *



Book Information
ISBN 9781838851958
Author Mick Kitson
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Canongate Books
Publisher Canongate Books
Weight(grams) 205g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 18mm