I enjoyed this book and I like that Marcus doesn't want to be like the rest of the family he just wants to be him.

Everyone has already made up their mind about Marcus Pritchard. He’s no good just like the rest of his family. He’d say that wasn’t true except, Marcus also just got suspended from school and is always getting into fights so maybe they’re right. When Mick Rowlands with the bomb shelter in his back garden trusts him to help with some odd jobs and a girl from school who goes to peaceful protests instead of class sticks up for him too, Marcus isn’t quite sure what to do with people who listen to him and aren’t automatically expecting him to steal stuff off them. He’s sure they’ll change their minds about him if they find out about the jobs he has to do for his family but being around Mick and Emma is kind of nice. Spending time with them makes him start to question if he’d rather make different choices.

This is a beautiful story about choosing your own path and not letting other people decide who you are for you. There is an emotional honesty to the characters, a brilliantly backdrop of a tight-knit Welsh community during the Cold War and there’s Lesley Parr’s signature theme of what can happen when just one person believes in you. Another heartfelt modern classic.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for gifting me an ARC of Fallout in return for a fair and honest review.



TL;DR: An engrossing story of a boy navigating his criminal family and new friendship with a peace activist in the early 1980s that while doesn’t have a strong plot, makes up for it with great characterisations that hooks you from the start.



Fallout is the story of Marcus, a fourteen-year-old boy belonging to the towns’ criminal family, as he navigates family troubles, a new friendship with peace activist Emma, and a false accusation that leads to him confronting some hard truths about himself and the family he’s been brought up in. Rather than a really plot-heavy, Fallout is more of a sketch of this particular point in Marcus’ life with a few mysteries and conflicts to unravel but there’s no clear mission that drives it forward. Instead, it feels more thematic. Exploring themes like prison, family, activism, and overcoming people’s expectations, through Marcus’ encounters with each of these themes rather than having a streamlined, heavily plotted adventure that grazes these issues. It suits a book like this, and Parr writes it very well.

And really, for a book like this to work, the characters need to be rock solid, and they are perhaps the book’s biggest strength. Marcus is a really engaging main character that you can’t help but root for and Emma’s enthusiasm rubs off on you and is a great foil to Marcus’ worn pessimism. The myriad of side characters too that help Marcus through his journey are all distinct, well-written, and only strengthen the narrative.

All in all, this is a great family drama for UKS2 and going into the early years of KS3. It’s got a great driving cast of characters that really drive this understated plot. Well worth adding to historical fiction collections.

We really enjoyed Where the River Takes Us by Lesley Parr so we were excited to hear that she was publishing another book this year.

Marcus is the youngest of three brothers and is very much expected to follow in their felonous footsteps, against his better judgement and eventually, his wishes. When he makes an unlikely friend, he decides to follow his heart and not head into the family business but they have other ideas. He has a very difficult choice to make and when someone ends up in hospital, all fingers point to him. Can he clear his name and become the person he so desperately wants to be?

Covering themes of friendship, bullying, family loyalties, family rifts and social activism, this was full of nostalgia for the adults reading it and our Book Clubbers really enjoyed reading about Marcus's plight however, whilst technically this is aimed at children 9+, we would advise 10+ as a starting point. The nod to Findus Crispy Pancakes was greatly appreciated by us and when we explained to the Book Clubbers what these were, they were keen to try them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for sharing this eBook for review consideration. All opinions are our own.

It’s the 1970s and the fear of nuclear war means protests about banning the bomb are being staged.
Marcus is a Pritchard – the local family always blamed for being the wrong side of the law – not always without cause. Even when Marcus wants to do right, it’s assumed he will get into trouble. His next door neighbour doesn’t judge the family, although many of the village judge him for being ‘weird’. Marcus has lost his one ally in the family as one brother is in the local remand centre and when Marcus crosses his violent elder brother he tries to avoid going home. He takes refuge in an underground nuclear shelter a rumour about the neighbour building one in his garden being proved true. When the neighbour discovers him the following morning an unlikely friendship starts to form.
Newcomer Emma doesn’t judge either and wants to see the good side of Marcus, despite a bad start when Marcus targets the anti-nuclear protest Emma is taking a stand on. He finds himself drawn into Emma’s world, miles away from his own upbringing. But when he’s arranged to help out at the local carnival but his Dad says he has to act as look out for a ‘job’ he’s got lined up Marcus’ loyalties are torn.
At times I forgot this was set 50 years ago, but reminders of when sweets cost less than 10p crop up, as does the local dialect, which is easily understood. Marcus, Mick and Emma are great characters working against assumptions about themselves with Marcus the one who needs to get to the stage of the other two in self-belief.

i had mixed feeling on this novel by lesley parr..it is based around the story of Marcus and at its heart it questions his identity that has been largely shaped by his family, personal loyalties and a community’s future

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.

Readers of a certain vintage might remember a series of fiction books for children/teenagers called Topliners which we had in the school library in the late 1970s although I believe they were first issued in 1968. These books dealt with contemporary issues and the problems of teenagers and were trailblazing in their day. I particularly like the Birdy Jones stories and the Louie's Lot books.

This book reminds me of those Topliners. It is well written, entirely believable and deals with issues maybe more relevant to younger children in the modern world than to teens in the 1970s. There would be a lot to discuss with readers, friendships, bullying, family problems etc. I particularly liked the intergenerational friendship between Marcus and his elderly neighbour Mick. i wonder how many of today's youngsters know about Duck and Cover and nuclear bunkers?

There is even social activism in there although in those days it was the nuclear threat we marched about rather than today's climate change. I loved all the references to the time - Findus Crispy Pancakes, Starsky and Hutch to name but two - and the authentic picture of those days which would I am sure be of interest to children who like social history.

Educational for children, nostalgic for adults.

Fallout
By Lesley Parr
Published by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Lesley Parr winner of the Wales Children's Book of the Year Award 2023 does it again!!
A page turner from the very start.

Marcus the youngest of three brothers has his fate decided by his family & particularly his father: theft.
So it is through pure determination and an unlikely friendship that he needs to decide what’s best for him & make some difficult changes .

A youth offender centre is where his brother is and the other works alongside their dad on plans for their next theft.

But then a mysterious accident lands a man in hospital & everyone suspects Marcus even his new found friend Emma. Feeling trapped & worthless how can he turn this around?
Can he persuade Emma to work with him to clear his name – and become the person he really wants to be?

An exciting, fast paced story that questions a family’s identity, personal loyalties and a community’s future.
Perfect for readers of 10+

Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley

Well mixed feelings on this one….. which is sad as I love her previous novels.
The setting ties in with my childhood so many of the references resonated with me but I was underwhelmed by the storyline and I’m unsure whether it will appeal to my school library readership.

From the moment I saw the cover for Lesley's latest middle grade novel, I knew it was one I was desperate to read, and once I started I couldn't stop, so desperate was I to know what happened to Marcus.

Lesley delivers a poignant story that delves into the complexities of family expectations, personal agency, and the transformative power of friendship. Set against the backdrop of a tight-knit community where his criminality seems almost predestined, Marcus's journey unfolds as a compelling exploration of identity and self-discovery.

With one brother behind bars and the other entangled in criminal schemes, Marcus finds himself at a crossroads, torn between the path laid out for him and the yearning for something more. Yet, wherever he turns within his community, who he is has already been decided for him, whether it's his teachers, shopkeepers, or most of his neighbours.

Central to the story is the arrival of Emma, a newcomer to the small town, whose belief in Marcus ignites a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil. Through their unlikely alliance, we are able to explore themes of loyalty, trust, and the power of solidarity in the face of adversity. Emma's fervent activism serves as a catalyst for Marcus's own awakening, prompting him to challenge the misconceptions that threaten to define him.

But, the character I loved most of all was Mick, who in Marcus' own words, "isn't like everyone else." His refusal to judge Marcus based on him being a Pritchard, but instead on how he treats animals shows Marcus that maybe all hope for a different life isn't lost, and is the perfect opening for discussions on nature versus nurture. What I do know, is that everyone need a Mick in their corner.

With its richly drawn characters and gripping narrative, Fallout is a story of resilience and redemption, that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after the final page is turned. A must-read for anyone in Year 6 and above, this is storytelling at its finest. You might want to have a tissue or two handy.

This was such an unusual and interesting children's book which I always love to see. Great setup - 1980s Welsh village where everyone knows everyone and has plenty to say.
The characters were colourful and real, partly due to the author's excellent use of dialogue and voice.
It includes a family dynamic not often seen in children's books; family of bad eggs with a child who wants something different for himself.
Think Matilda's family - in rural Wales, but instead of Matilda as the MC you've got a young, misunderstood, wannabe Paul Weller!
Loved it

Marcus Pritchard is heavily tarred with his family’s reputation and he is pretty much resigned to it - until he meets Emma, a free spirited girl who sees past Marcus’ angry exterior and helps him see beyond what he had anticipated to be an inevitable life of crime. Set in the uncertain times of the threat of nuclear war, the story provides an underlying historical context alongside an engaging and well paced journey of self-belief. An impelling and inspiring read with themes of friendship, family and moral judgment for Y6 and above. In my opinion, this is the best yet from the wonderful Lesley Parr.

This was incredible! Marcus has an 'interesting' life at home and wants nothing to do with how his family make money. But he always gets dragged into it. Until he meets Emma and she makes him re-evaluate his life. He starts to make friends and then realises what he wants out of life, and it's not his family. Is it too late to change? Can he change with most of the village against him?
This is an absolutely amazing story and I was in tears at the end!

Such a good book! Once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down! It was a great book and shows that you should never judge a book by it’s cover or a member of a family by the rest of his family, the friendships in this book are so good and it shows that no matter your background you can be friends with anyone, old or young.

I throughly recommend this book to everyone to read as it shows that wonderful friendships can come from nothing!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Bloomsbury for giving me this opportunity to read this book early!

I loved this book and think many in my class will too. I'm Scottish so I had to look up a few Welsh words like 'twty' 😆. The book highlights the disadvantages some face simply due to the family they are born into and how at times it can be difficult to do the right thing. It also shows the importance of being willing to give people a chance. The friendships formed were heartwarming and the ending left us with hope for the main character.

I enjoyed this book. There was enough mystery in there to keep me engaged, and I loved the references to my childhood, although some of these would be wasted on the kids themselves of course. This harks back to a happier time, devoid of social media, and of children occupying themselves. it was good to see the main character have a choice and make the right one given the challenges he faced.

I’m a massive fan of Lesley’s work. Her characterisation is exceptional and one of the finest in UK literature – in Fallout, she delivers sensitive moments which may seem unremarkable to many but to Marcus are life-changing (Marcus getting a spare key left me with tears in my eyes or a moment where he spots Emma’s badge on the floor). I love the multi-faceted title – from Mick’s bunker precaution, the Pritchards’ family dynamic, the threat of nuclear war or Marcus’ row with old friend Jezza, Fallout offers so much to the reader. Equally, the ending doesn’t Hollywood-ify Marcus’ prospects but leaves the reader hopeful of what may lie ahead for him.

If you only read one book this year mun then make it Fallout! Don’t be a div – preorder this exceptionally powerful tale of choices, friendship and the ability to change what may seem preordained for us. My favourite Lesley Parr book so far!

Fallout by Lesley Parr is set in the valleys of Wales. I enjoy that Parr uses some of the Welsh language in her books and the words always have me searching for their meanings - it brings authenticity to her writing.
Marcus is a Pritchard - and Pritchards are thieves, liars and always in trouble - just look at his older brother - he is spending time at the Farm School for fencing cigarettes. However, Marcus is trying to move away from being labeled a 'Pritchard' and it's during an unlikely friendship with his neighbour Mick who takes a chance on him and Emma 'a long-haired hippy' that Marcus really comes into his own.
Marcus, Emma and Mick make an unlikely trio, and when Mick is devastatingly hurt in an accident in the town's carnival - Marcus and Emma have to work together to find out who their friend.

A lovely read, filled with themes of friendship and resilience.

Masterful writing from Lesley Parr. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, Fallout is a powerful and moving story about unexpected friendships, societal expectations, labels, and who we ultimately choose to be. The voice is incredible. Absolutely incredible. As a reader, you forget the author completely. It's not a construct, this book - it's like you're sitting right there with Marcus, listening to him tell his story in his own words.

Another beautiful story by Lesley Parr. Like her previous work, this is set in recent history in Wales, this time during the Cold War. Marcus comes from a “bad” family and often ends up doing “bad” things himself, partly as a reaction to other people’s low expectations of him. But as we follow Marcus’s journey, we come to know the real sensitive soul inside. He gradually gets to know Mick, the old man who lives at the end of his street, and has a nuclear bunker in his garden, and Emma, a girl from school whose whole family protest for peace. With newfound friendship comes some difficult decisions, and ultimately will Marcus follow in his family’s footsteps or forge his own path. Really enjoyed reading this book.