On my bookshelf: February 2014
From Pakistan to Preston by AT Boyle
Written by father and daughter Terry and Alison Boyle, this novel is set against a backdrop of 1970s industrial Preston as preparations are made for the 1972 Preston Guild.
The story focuses on a blossoming love story between local Tommy O’Reilly and Pakistani born Sunehri Saleem, co-workers at a viscose (artificial silk) factory.
The novel tells a representative story of Preston’s community from 40 years ago, but one which is still recognisable in the present day.
The authors have taken great care to create a novel that is grounded in geographical and historical fact. It draws on Terry Boyle’s 30 years’ experience working at Courtaulds viscose factory in Preston, with this technical insight being woven into a story that flows like the vibrant dyes “Glory Gold” and “Tommy Red” created by the central character, Tommy.
My role at the Museum of Lancashire has brought me into contact with many people from a diverse range of communities in Preston, many of whom have connections to the textile industry.
Although a work of fiction, this novel serves as a social narrative, giving the reader a tangible insight into the lives of thousands of people from Pakistan, India, the West Indies and Eastern Europe who travelled to Lancashire to begin a new chapter of their lives amid the chimneys of the textile industry.
The dedication of the authors to represent an authentic story and continue with research and development to uncover more of this hidden past (which will form a museum exhibition this year) is inspiring.
Charlotte Steels is the museum manager at the Museum of Lancashire, Preston
The story focuses on a blossoming love story between local Tommy O’Reilly and Pakistani born Sunehri Saleem, co-workers at a viscose (artificial silk) factory.
The novel tells a representative story of Preston’s community from 40 years ago, but one which is still recognisable in the present day.
The authors have taken great care to create a novel that is grounded in geographical and historical fact. It draws on Terry Boyle’s 30 years’ experience working at Courtaulds viscose factory in Preston, with this technical insight being woven into a story that flows like the vibrant dyes “Glory Gold” and “Tommy Red” created by the central character, Tommy.
My role at the Museum of Lancashire has brought me into contact with many people from a diverse range of communities in Preston, many of whom have connections to the textile industry.
Although a work of fiction, this novel serves as a social narrative, giving the reader a tangible insight into the lives of thousands of people from Pakistan, India, the West Indies and Eastern Europe who travelled to Lancashire to begin a new chapter of their lives amid the chimneys of the textile industry.
The dedication of the authors to represent an authentic story and continue with research and development to uncover more of this hidden past (which will form a museum exhibition this year) is inspiring.
Charlotte Steels is the museum manager at the Museum of Lancashire, Preston