Sydney Carr - Author
Heroes? a novel by Sydney Carr
Amidst the hard-working mining community of 1958 Ashington, one battered and bruised family need all their inner-strength and resilience to survive four months of traumatic events that test their youthful resilience and Geordie sense of humour to the limit.
In a town of heroic everyday toil, who are the villains and who are the heroes? Can the family fight through adversity and remain strong enough to pull together or will they crumble and fall; who of them has the strength and courage to carry on no matter what life throws at them?
As war clouds loom over Europe, Jane, a public school girl with a privileged upbringing goes against her father’s wishes and trains to become a nurse; nearing the end of her training she falls pregnant to Nick, a wounded war hero, changing her life forever.
Disowned by her father she marries Nick and moves in with his parents who live in a colliery house in the mining town of Ashington in Northumberland and discovers that her new husband is far removed from the dashing hero she thought him to be.
In 1958, Battered, bruised and with four children, she faces four traumatic months that will test her family and, her own inner strength and resilience to the limit. Will the support of her Geordie neighbours be enough to help her through her darkest hours?
Available as a paperback or Ebook from Amazon (Heroes? Sydney Carr) or direct from the author at: sydney.carr@sky.com
A Colliery Row similiar to the Sixth Row in the book
Coneygarth Drift Mine
Ashington
Flick Knife
Reviews
Those who have read Syd Carr's previous book, The Fourth Lad, will know that Syd is absolutely steeped in the heritage of Ashington's hard streets from where he has his origin. A multi talented man, he has made a success of his life despite (and perhaps also because) of the knock backs, tough childhood and soon-learned self-reliance and determination to make the best of what was within his reach in the very tough years of his early life. Most of the time that was precious little, until he emerged from the pit for a final time, and forged a very successful life for himself and his family as a career soldier.
Reading 'Heroes' and having been very familiar with Ashington myself - although my own time was a decade or so later - Syd's excellent story is a hauntingly familiar and welcome trip down memory lane - (or should that be 'doon memory raa?') Anyone else from that place or that time will feel the same way, I'm sure.
Syd's characters are very credible, and I was carried along with their trials and tribulations, their fortitude against constant hard times, their willingness to 'do their bit' individually, and to bond with family and friends to win through; young and old, often against overwhelming odds, and also against villainy and treachery supplied by the story's 'bad guy.' I also admire the - again, completely authentic - honesty and decency of Ashington folk at their best.
Syd is an outstanding story-teller, and here he weaves a tale with more than enough to keep anyone entertained, and reaching for the next page, and the one after that!
5.0 out of 5 stars You cannot put this book down, 22 Jun 2014
By dawn
A brilliantly written book by this author. Like most of the other reviews said, I too read it in one sitting, you just cannot put it down. You feel as if the characters in the book are people you know. I really hope there is a sequel to this story. This author is on par with Catherine Cookson. Brilliant! Thank you.
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book., 19 Jun 2014
By Allan ( Ashington ) - See all my reviews
After reading Syd's last book The Fourth Lad I couldn't wait to down load 'HEROS', as I believed if it was anything like his last book it would be a good read.
I certainly wasn't disappointed, after down loading it and started to read the first page I was hooked, I found it impossible to put down until it was finished.
Congratulations to Syd and I'll be looking forward to reading more editions.
5.0 out of 5 stars Another page Turner, a fantastic read, 18 Jun 2014
By Jacqui Alderton
a truly fantastic read, I read it in one sitting. Thank you Syd Carr, I hope this isn't your last mind?
5.0 out of 5 stars Good travelling companion., 17 Jun 2014
By Elizabeth Sturgeon
I've read Syds 1st book, The Fourth Lad, so had to buy this. I bought it for a journey by train down to Brighton from Ashington. It was such a good story I didn't notice how long my journey took. It was funny and sad, but compelling reading and I had something to look forward to every night after meetings. The family were my companions in Brighton, and I said my final farewells to them as I appropriately pulled into Morpeth station on my last leg back to Ashington. Thanks for that Syd.
By dixie
having started reading Heroes I couldn't put it down sitting up half the night reading till my eyes drooped I was reluctant to put it away, The next morning I abandoned the Sunday Papers till I finished reading it , I could identify with the time and era it was written , and surely all who read it will have a chuckle at the characters ,,,,,,,,, howay the hackie dorties brought a smile to my face
5.0 out of 5 stars couldn't put the book down, 8 Jun 2014
By l redford
After reading the fourth lad i just had to read this one, and it didn't disappoint me in any way. It kept me guessing how it would end. I would recommend this to anyone. Please Syd start thinking of the next one soon.
5.0 out of 5 stars A great first novel, 8 Jun 2014
By margaret fenwick
I loved this book from start to finish, what a great first novel, altho its not the first book ive read by syd carr, This has dramatic and laugh out loud moments, Thoroughly recommend this book to anyone even better if your a Northumbrian, a must buy, roll on the next ones, Syd Carr.
5.0 out of 5 stars A book filled with memories of places of a town and it's past.., 8 Jun 2014
By Anne Waters
After having read Sydney Carr's The Fourth Lad I was thrilled to see that he had released another book.
Well I have read his new book Heroes,and couldn't put it down. From start to finish it had me drawn in just like his first book.
Syd has an amazing way with his writing to make you feel that you are there with the characters he is writing about.
Another really great read,and cannot wait I hope for a follow up of Heroes..
5.0 out of 5 stars A Recommended read, 7 Jun 2014
By Mrs Christina Clark -
This is the second book I have read by the same author the first was the Fourth Lad, both book's have held me enthralled,
I have been unable to put it down from start to finish,
Heroes is fictional, but reading it you can relate to the people & places.
I can recommend this book to people of all ages.