Local-born author Kate Fridriks is pleased to announce the forthcoming release of the audiobook for her debut novel, Real Gone Kid, a captivating and heartwarming coming-of-age story, set in a fictional steel town within sight of the Ravenscraig steelworks in 1984.
She has dedicated her book to her father, Peter Carroll, who was an avid reader and writer. Said Kate: ‘My Dad always encouraged me to follow my dreams and it was his dream to publish a book. I promised him that I would do just that, so it has meant the world that I kept my promise to him, even after he passed.’
Set in the tumultuous year of 1984, the book captures the spirit of a generation who remember the Ravenscraig steelworks, the miners’ strike, and the controversial reign of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Published by Steel Thistle Press Ltd, Real Gone Kid delves into the heart of a steel town in 1984 Scotland, where Aileen Murphy’s journey becomes a beacon of resilience and triumph. Forced to embrace the unconventional world of boxing to protect her sister, Aileen’s story mirrors the challenges faced by some women in Scotland during the ’80s. This authentic and poignant tale promises an emotional ride through the complexities of the time. The book has been praised for its emotional depth and relatable characters, including being longlisted for the Cheshire Novel Prize.
Real Gone Kid has received acclaim for its authenticity and vivid portrayal of life in the ’80s. Local readers can expect a narrative that resonates with their own experiences, a tale that transcends the pages and immerses them in the streets and stories of the era.
Kate said: ‘Growing up in Motherwell and Wishaw during the 1980s was a formative experience for me, and I wanted to capture the spirit of that time in a way that would resonate with local readers.
I’m proud to come from North Lanarkshire and as there aren’t enough working class stories – never mind ones told from a female point of view – set in North Lanarkshire in the 1980s, I decided to write my own. And so, I’m delighted that Real Gone Kid has been received so well, with many favourable reviews received, including many from lovely local readers.’
If you’d like to buy your own copy of Real Gone Kid or buy as a Christmas gift for that special someone, it’s available to order from Amazon and local bookstores, in print and e-book formats. It will shortly also be available as an audiobook: you can join Kate’s newsletter, via her website at www.katefridriks.com to be amongst the first to find out the release date for the audiobook.
