Book review: Ya Mum, by Ben Tallon

I was excited to get this little yellow number through my letterbox, and I wasn’t disappointed.

Ben Tallon’s new book describes itself as a ‘rancid collection of short stories, moments and embarrassments from Britain’s cultural underbelly.’

I’d say that’s accurate.

This is definitely not a collection of lovely little romances, poetic homages to the beauty of the natural world, or meditations on the prettiness Cath Kidston handbags. No, this is about the “other” Britain that can be found in the weeds behind the bingo hall, the High Street gutter, or dumped in a lay-by.

Among the subjects that have inspired Tallon’s stories are a bike lock without a bike, cigarette butts, a knackered hub cap, a glove on a fence, and rude graffiti.

“Is this really stuff I want to read about?” you might ask.

“Yes”, I’d reply. Because it’s true, it’s real life, and thanks to Tallon’s imagination and skill, it’s a fun, entertaining collection of stories. Additionally, each chapter is illustrated in Tallon’s dynamic drawing style, perfectly complementing his writing.

In my opinion, Ya Mum is well worth a tenner of your money and you can buy it direct from Ben Tallon’s website.

+++

Next week, I’ll follow up on this review with some thoughts on the self-publishing process - as this book has got me reconsidering my previous prejudices.

Ya Mum - and other stories from the backstreets of Britain, by Ben Tallon