Brixton Rock - by Alex Wheatle (Paperback)

About the Book

First published in 1999 by BlackAmber Books.

Book Synopsis

"Pacy; witty; his characters are real and recognisable" LINTON KWESI JOHNSON

"Alex Wheatle is the real deal; he writes with heart and authenticity, books that make you laugh and worry and cry and hold your breath" KIT DE WAAL

"Alex Wheatle writes from a place of honesty and passion" STEVE McQUEEN, director of Small Axe

South London in the 1980s. Sixteen-year-old Brenton Brown is the mixed-race child of a mother he has never met. He's been living in a children's home all his life, and when he is unexpectedly reunited with his mother, Cynthia, his whole world seems poised to change.

The best thing happens: Brenton has a family at last.

And then the worst: Brenton falls in love with his beautiful half-sister, Juliet.

As tensions brew in Brixton, Brenton finds himself embroiled in a violent feud with a killer. Vengeance seems like the only option as Brenton hurtles towards an explosive climax which will risk everything.

Brixton Rock is the extraordinary debut of one of the UK's finest writers, a pitch-perfect depiction of South London life.

"A triumph . . . This is a debut which confirms its author is a pro in prose" The Times

About the Author

Alex Wheatle (3 January 1963 - 16 March 2025) was an author of several acclaimed novels, many of them inspired by experiences from his childhood. He was born in Brixton to Jamaican parents, and spent most of his childhood in a Surrey children's home. Following a short stint in prison following the Brixton uprising of 1981, he wrote poems and lyrics and became known as the Brixtonbard. Alex was shortlisted for numerous awards including the Carnegie Medal and the YA Book Prize. He won the Guardian Children's Fiction Award and was awarded an MBE for services to literature in 2008.