Wales Book of the Year Focus: Lesley Parr

Ask the Author: Lesley Parr

When did you first realise that you wanted to be an author?

I’ve always enjoyed writing in some form or another but chose other paths in life until 2011, when I decided to take it seriously.  

What inspires you?

The knowledge I’m telling working–class stories about working–class people and making a point that we aren’t all poor and struggling.  

Your favourite place on earth and why?

The stretch of the river Afan closest to where I grew up in Cwmafan, Port Talbot. I have so many happy memories of being there as a child and a teenager. 

What are you currently reading?

Women and the Miners’ Strike 1984 – 1985 by Florence Sutcliffe-Braithwaite and Natalie Thomlinson.

What inspired the idea for your book?

I wanted to create a protagonist who is the perceived ‘bad kid’ but is a good boy at heart; to see if I could make readers care about Marcus and root for him, as I do. 

Will you read a piece from it please?! 

Who should read your book and why?

Anyone who enjoys a story where an outsider is given the chance to make good. 

How does it feel to have reached the WBOTY 2025 Shortlist?

Brilliant! It’s very special when my books are recognised and valued by my own people.  

Do you have any other work/events in the works?

I’m currently working on another middle grade story which has all you’d expect from me; a character-led story set in the past, a working-class Welsh setting, a political edge BUT this is a departure in genre…Watch this space! 

In the words of the judges…

Praise for Fallout