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On April 20th, 1968, Enoch Powell, Member of Parliament in the English town of Wolverhampton, made a speech that shook Britain to its core. The ramifications of what some labeled a "racist diatribe" changed forever the way in which race was viewed and discussed in the United Kingdom. The Speech follows the lives of a group of characters—including Powell himself—living in Wolverhampton over a 10-day period before and after his speech. Mrs. Georgina Verington-Delaunay is a volunteer working in the Conservative riding office of Enoch Powell. It is through her interaction with Powell, now at a critical point in his political career, that we get to know him intimately. Frank and Christine are art students inadvertently caught in an undercurrent of intolerance. Nelson and his aunt, Irene, are Jamaican immigrants striving to make a life for themselves in an atmosphere of turbulent emotions and polarized opinions concerning Britain's immigration policies. A violent crime brings these disparate characters together as they struggle to find their places in the swiftly changing society of 1960s Britain. Set against a background of "subversive" music, radical fashions, and profound change in "moral values," they attempt against all odds to bring a fair conclusion to an unjust investigation. As they work together against murky elements of self-interest and bigotry, they're forced to confront their own consciences and prejudices.
On April 20th, 1968, Enoch Powell, Member of Parliament in the English town of Wolverhampton, made a speech that shook Britain to its core. The ramifications of what some labeled a "racist diatribe"...
On April 20th, 1968, Enoch Powell, Member of Parliament in the English town of Wolverhampton, made a speech that shook Britain to its core. The ramifications of what some labeled a "racist diatribe" changed forever the way in which race was viewed and discussed in the United Kingdom. The Speech follows the lives of a group of characters—including Powell himself—living in Wolverhampton over a 10-day period before and after his speech. Mrs. Georgina Verington-Delaunay is a volunteer working in the Conservative riding office of Enoch Powell. It is through her interaction with Powell, now at a critical point in his political career, that we get to know him intimately. Frank and Christine are art students inadvertently caught in an undercurrent of intolerance. Nelson and his aunt, Irene, are Jamaican immigrants striving to make a life for themselves in an atmosphere of turbulent emotions and polarized opinions concerning Britain's immigration policies. A violent crime brings these disparate characters together as they struggle to find their places in the swiftly changing society of 1960s Britain. Set against a background of "subversive" music, radical fashions, and profound change in "moral values," they attempt against all odds to bring a fair conclusion to an unjust investigation. As they work together against murky elements of self-interest and bigotry, they're forced to confront their own consciences and prejudices.
Advance Praise
“A wholly fictional, but entirely plausible, tale ... never more timely than now, in the era of Le Pen, Farage and Trump.” Brian Masters, author of Killing for Company
“A wholly fictional, but entirely plausible, tale ... never more timely than now, in the era of Le Pen, Farage and Trump.” Brian Masters, author of Killing for Company
Smith ingeniously constructs a microworld of fictional and historical characters in the 1968 week during which Enoch Powell delivered his Rivers of Blood speech in Birmingham. The resonance of the British political context of emigration is timely and unmistakable.
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Emma G, Reviewer
I have to admit to not being familiar with Enoch Powell's River of Blood speech, knowing only the basics of its origin. However, I found this book totally enthralling and educational at the same time. Extremely well written, I really felt the prejudice of the time. Having the story from different perspectives really added to the rich tapestry of the tale. A thought provoking book that mirrors situations of current times in terms of Trump and his thinking. I wouldn't be surprised if this book found its way into schools. An excellent read.
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Featured Reviews
Reviewer 153322
Smith ingeniously constructs a microworld of fictional and historical characters in the 1968 week during which Enoch Powell delivered his Rivers of Blood speech in Birmingham. The resonance of the British political context of emigration is timely and unmistakable.
Was this review helpful?
Emma G, Reviewer
I have to admit to not being familiar with Enoch Powell's River of Blood speech, knowing only the basics of its origin. However, I found this book totally enthralling and educational at the same time. Extremely well written, I really felt the prejudice of the time. Having the story from different perspectives really added to the rich tapestry of the tale. A thought provoking book that mirrors situations of current times in terms of Trump and his thinking. I wouldn't be surprised if this book found its way into schools. An excellent read.