The Outsiders by James Corbett

Liverpool 1981. As the city burns during inner city riots, Paul meets two people who will change his life: Nadezhda, an elusive poet who has fallen out of fashion; and her daughter Sarah, with whom he shares an instant connection. As the summer reaches its climax his feelings for both are tested amidst secrets, lies and the unravelling of Nadezhda’s past. It is an experience that will define the rest of his life.

The Outsiders moves from early-80s Liverpool, via Nadezhda’s clandestine background in war-torn Europe, through to the present day, taking in the global and local events that shape all three characters. In a powerful story of

hidden histories, lost loves and painful truths ambitiously told against the backdrop of Liverpool’s fall and rise, James Corbett’s enthralling debut novel explores the complexities of human history and how individual perspectives of the past shape everyone’s present.

Buy this book in our online shop

All proceeds support our charitable programme.

James Corbett is an author and journalist who has reported from all over the world for the BBC, Guardian, Observer, Independentand numerous other publications. His non-fiction books include his collaboration with the legendary goalkeeper Neville Southall, The Binman Chronicles, named by TalkSport as one of the ten best sports books of all time, andFaith of our Families, longlisted in the 2018 British Sports Book of the Year awards. The Outsidersis his first novel. He lives and works between his home in Ireland and home city of Liverpool.

James’s Top 5 Northern Books of All Time

Discover these books at our online shop

• There She Goes: Liverpool in the 1980s, a City on its Own by Simon Hughes

• A Shepherd’s Life by James Rebanks

• Felicia’s Journey by William Trevor

• The Football Man by Arthur Hopcraft

• The Last Mad Surge of Youth by Mark Hodkinson

Which books would make your list?

Let us know on social media, follow #PorticoPrize and #WhatsYourNorth or email: prize@theportico.org.uk