The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead’s previous novel, The Underground Railroad, won a Pulitzer prize and was endorsed by Barack Obama. It conveyed the testimonies of former slaves who had escaped the American south, neither exaggerating the brutalities endured nor pulling any punches when depicting the attitudes of the white slave owners. In his new novel, The Nickel Boys, that same raw depiction of the harsh realities of being black in a white world is utilised to stunning effect.

The main protagonist, Elwood, is thrust into The Nickel Academy, a reform school where education is minimal and work in the form of cheap labour for the white population is par for the course. Elwood’s crime: simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. As the novel progresses, we begin to understand that very few of the ‘students’ at Nickel Academy have done much to merit their stay there, as the seemingly arbitrary arrests of black youths provide a constant stream of free labour to fulfil a plethora of manual tasks, bringing in a handsome profit for the white governors of the school. Students are regularly beaten, isolated for days at a time, as well as simply disappearing.

For students who have really overstepped the mark there is The White House, a building in the middle of the complex where boys are taken at night and beaten to within an inch of their lives. This is the fate Elwood suffers not long after arriving at The Nickel Academy, intervening in a fight and getting caught up with the rest in a group punishment. He is inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, and is determined to overcome oppression through non-violence, just like his hero. Whitehead describes the ensuing brutal beatings briefly and the injuries and long-term damage is catalogued, but these stark, sparse accounts are actually a more effective way of conveying the true horror of what went on, where others could lean towards ghoulishness or gratuitous gore.

The novel opens with a grisly find by construction workers on the site of the former reform school, so we know from the beginning the fate that often awaited these boys. What makes this novel so terrifying is that it’s all based on real events, as the endnote confirms. The inspiration for this book is the Dozier School for Boys, which was a reformatory school in Florida which ran for more than a hundred years. Just recently, Florida officials announced that they would begin the search for more bodies on the site.

There was a lot of hype surrounding the appearance of this book, mainly because of the huge popularity of The Underground Railroad, and many saw this as a sequel. Whilst that’s not entirely true, it is certainly a continuation of Whitehead’s exploration of black history in America and what underlies the still simmering racial tensions plaguing that land.

Top Marks For Murder by Robin Stevens

Top Marks for Murder is book 8 of the Murder Most Unladylike series, a series which focuses on a group of high school super sleuths. I must admit, I’m new to this series but if number 8 is anything to go by, many younger readers will find this series highly entertaining.

The novel is set in Deepdean, a private school for girls – girls of the highest echelons of society only, don’t you know? There is the usual banter, cattiness and snobbery you would expect from this setting (fans of Malory Towers will enjoy this) before a murder rocks the school to its foundations.

One of the group of sleuths, better known as the Wells and Wong Detective Society, spots a murder from their dorm window and the game is afoot. Through dogged determination, guile and wit, the girls, with the help of a friendly local Police Inspector, manage to narrow down the list of suspects by a process of elimination. Another murder along the way only serves to complicate matters.

Do they catch the culprit in the end? What do you think? It’s not going to tax the brains of any young readers, but they’ll enjoy the chase. The characters are amusing, the plot speeds along with many twists and turns along the way, and the concept of teen detectives will appeal to many younger readers. This would be an ideal stocking-filler and will entertain the youngsters during those long winter nights.

My Brother’s Name is Jessica by John Boyne

Jason announces after years of silence that he identifies as a girl and wants to live life as a girl. He starts to grow his hair and wear more feminine clothes, and these very visible changes lead to consternation amongst his family and friends, despicable name calling and online comments, as well as support from some surprising quarters.

The novel focuses primarily on his younger brother, Sam, who struggles to deal with the loss of his big brother and can’t accept that his big sister is essentially the same person with whom he loved spending time. Sam is bullied mercilessly at school for his brother’s situation and takes this out on Jason, who is now known as Jessica.

To add to this tension, his mother is a high-profile cabinet minister who is vying for the top job, and this situation is at best a distraction and at worst an embarrassment to her and a real obstacle to her chances of becoming Prime Minister, as her rivals use this as ammunition against her.

This book has caused a bit of a backlash from the trans community over Boyne’s representation of a trans teenager and he was criticised for making the focus of the novel the family, rather than the person transitioning. However, others have commented that this is the book’s strength, and I’d agree. The ending is perhaps a bit too neat. Nevertheless, this is a thought-provoking book for any teenager to read, whether cis or trans.

Nicola Maule speaks to Stephen McRobbie from influential Glasgow band, The Pastels, about record labels, record shops, and the ever changing musical landscape. This November The Pastels take to the stage at The Great Western, a brand new multi-venue festival right on our doorstep.

The Pastels are playing at The Great Western festival in November, which is showing to have a great line-up of bands, at a number of venues throughout Glasgow’s West End. What was it about this festival that made you sign up to play?
It was a combination of things. It seemed potentially exciting and the timing was good for us. We’ve worked with the promoter, 432, in the past and we knew that they would trust us and help us realise an event that we would all be proud of. I’m wary of the word ‘curate’, it’s become such a cliché, so it’s more a co-operation between us to put something amazing in place for one of the shows, in Maryhill Community Central Hall. So far we’ve got Sacred Paws, Lightships and Molly Linen playing, we’re about to add a couple more and DJs. We’re hoping it can become a real hub for The Great Western festival.

Your last album Slow Summits was released in 2013 through indie label Domino Records, and shortlisted the same year for Scottish Album of the Year – did you enjoy reconnecting with your fan base at this time?
With regards to Slow Summits, we never felt disconnected from our fanbase as we’d been playing live from time to time and of course working on other things that became public domain like the collaboration with our friends, Tenniscoats, the Two Sunsets album. We’d been doing some film and theatre things too so it felt not too much like a massive comeback. We were very proud when it started to get good reviews and we could see that people liked it. Great to make the shortlist of the Scottish album of the year. I think many people always feel an affection for a group’s first music but maybe we managed to make people feel an affection for our most recent music. I only hope that we can do it again, we’ll always try to come up with something that’s better than we’ve done before.

Being a part of Glasgow record shop, Monorail, you clearly love being immersed in the music scene – are you always on the lookout for new bands and still enjoy watching live music as much as playing?
Being involved in Monorail Music gives me a different perspective. I get to hear so many different records, it’s healthy and sometimes daunting trying to keep up. For me, I prefer playing music to watching it, it’s just a bit more satisfying. That said, I have seen some amazing shows this year – Jarv Is, Julia McFarlane’s Reality Guest, Trash Kit. I’m proud to be working with Spinning Coin through our label, Geographic, and on a Strawberry Switchblade retrospective too. I try to keep learning and try to keep my enthusiasm. So far it’s not been a problem.

After your first single, Songs for Children, released on Whaam records in 82’ I read that you released a cassette tape. Did that format give you more control and how do you feel about the resurgence in releasing tapes recently as an ‘old school’ format?
I actually can’t remember what came first. We were really keen to reach an audience and impatient so we were always trying to take things into our own hands. Cassettes were easy and cheap – a good format for where we were. I understand them coming back round because they still maybe seem more fun than a file. I think they’re extremely niche objects but they have a place. I still like a well made mix tape with a nice piece of handmade art.

You have always been in what seems to be a crowd of musicians that were very comfortable collaborating with each other. Is this something that you still enjoy and are there any new collaborations in the offing?
We’ve not really got anything planned but would like to make another record with Tenniscoats sometime. I think of The Pastels as a collaboration – between the various musicians in the group and the sound engineer. Sometimes it’s good not to colour everything in to the nth. Then you’re leaving space for a collaborator. If Kicking Leaves had been too realised Craig Armstrong might have felt there was nothing for him to do. Instead he was able to help give it a particular identity which we loved.

How do see the music industry moving forward considering the seismic changes that have taken place since The Pastels started out?
I’m not sure what changes are coming next – people listen to music in so many different ways. Even on our label, Domino, some of the artists are reaching their fanbase mainly through streaming. I think people are after a mixture of convenience and quality. The quality part is ultimately really important. That’s why so many people still love listening to records.

The Great Western is an all-day multi-venue music festival on Saturday 23rd November. For full listings and ticket sales go to: tgwfest.com.

This is the time of year when we really want to love our homes the most. Whether we’re ever-ready for guests, snuggling in front of the fire, or hosting the Hogmanay bash, it’s the season we want to feel warm and welcomed.

The natural touch is a key interior trend for 2019. Combining soft wools and woods with warm chocolate browns and creams is a relaxing backdrop for a festive flourish.

The classic festive feel never goes out of fashion and luxurious touches of red or green velvet immediately nod to the nostalgia of traditional trimmings. Many of us still opt for the turkey (or nut roast) dinner, the mince pies and the old films, and alongside the mulled wine – it’s nice to have a touch of traditional warmth in our environment too.

Once you have the soft, warm backdrop, you can add the festive touch to whatever greater or lesser extent you prefer. Think about the natural plants and flowers of the season as the core way to effortlessly bring the season into your home. It doesn’t take much to create an impression if you’re sticking with the traditional favourites. Just a bowl full of holly immediately says ‘Santa’ or some strategically placed mistletoe adds a festive edge. Bring the outside in with some chunky pine cones or twisty twigs. Spray with a touch of gold paint, or hang little baubles from the twigs to easily add that understated sparkle to your room.

The Christmas tree is of course the seasonal focus point. For me, when I was growing up, this was an annual traipse of a mission, getting from forest to borrowed roof-rack to wrong sized pot. It was never guaranteed the tree would last to the big day, and very often the hoover was full of needles before Santa had fired up the sleigh. However this is no more. There’s no need to travel or scrabble for your tree this year. There’s an array available right on our doorsteps. The West End Garden Centre is even creating a festive forest. Owner Martin says, ‘We’ll have hundreds of trees for people to choose from, locally sourced with non-needle options – all of which can be delivered free of charge’.

Whatever you do to decorate your tree, is a matter of taste and tradition. But bear in mind that you can also borrow a few snippets from a branch or two at the back to create little natural touches in place settings, or table displays. Even for your present wrapping, think natural and keep it simple. Use brown paper to wrap your presents, with a personalised red ribbon, or even some traditional string then tie it off with a sprig of holly, or a tiny pine cone or tree clipping. Make a simple old-school printed gift tag with a star or a tree cut from an old sponge or a potato, get the kids involved in the process and it will be easy, cheap, fun and admired under anyone’s tree.

And our local florists are also gearing up for supplying our creative Christmas needs, with a wide array of festive florals available. Hyacinth House is also running wreath-making workshops in November and December. Meaning that not only can you pick up everything you need to add that natural outdoors touch to your home, but you can also learn the creative skills to make a fresh Christmas statement with simple plants and products.

As we’re bringing the outside in this year, think about your outside space too. Are there some trees you can gaze out on that can hold a few lights, can you make a festive bird feeder to bring a winter robin to your windowsill, could you hang a few decorations from the rose bush? Also have a think if there’s a better way to maximise your outdoors too. Outside In Garden Rooms are based in the West End and they can create standalone new rooms in your garden in as little as two weeks. So – if you need a new space to put a gym, an office, or a relative this winter, keep your options open and consider all your spaces.

And remember that Christmas is a season of the senses, the sounds of jingling bells, crunching frost, and carols; the sights of the lights and colours; the feel of the velvet cushions and the fluffy slippers; and the smell of the fresh pine, cinnamon and clove. Invest in a few good quality candles to add that spicy scent to your home, or better still – get the mulled wine on the stove and light the fire.

West End Garden Centre 40-44 Peel Street G11 5LU

Hyacinth House Floristry 950A Crow Road G13 1JD hyacinthhousefloristry.com

outsideingardenrooms.co.uk

The image on the home page is of products available from The Store Interiors, thestoreinteriors.co.uk

When the holidays roll around, you might be tempted to jump online, make a few quick clicks, select the standard shipping, and choose the generic gift wrap for Auntie Claire. It’s quick, it’s easy…and completely devoid of any forethought or sentiment. Yet it’s fun to shop in the neighbourhood where all the store owners know your name and greet you with a smile.

When it comes to the holiday fare you’ll be serving family and friends, you’ll want the healthiest and best ingredients you can get. By shopping the local independent markets, you can ensure that everything is fresh, and hasn’t been sitting in a warehouse for months. Also, shopping local helps to support small businesses, which in turn, helps support local families.

One thing the area independent merchants all seem to have in common, is that they are passionate about what they do and how they do it.

One local business is Anderson’s, located at 92 Queen Margaret Drive in North Kelvinside. This establishment has been at this exact spot for over 100 years! And though you may have noticed a new name outside (Barvas & James) the family that runs it is still the same. Because they have pivoted from a fruit market into flowers and gifts, they felt they needed a new name to reflect the change. But John, who is the great-grandson of the original owners, will still be offering fruit – just with a slightly different twist. People will be able to order fruit online and have it delivered right to their door!

With some larger scale businesses, ordering produce online might be a bit risky, since fruit and veg can vary in quality and freshness. The difference with Barvas & James is that it is ordered, hand-selected and delivered by John and his family. It is a plan with all the convenience of online shopping, but from people that you know and trust. Watch for the launch soon!

The shop itself has lovely pots, candle holders, luxurious bath products and even speciality chocolates! As much as possible John stocks products that are sustainably sourced from local suppliers. If you’re not sure what to buy someone, why not select a lovely plant that will add some colour to their home? A surprise bouquet will always light up someone’s face as well. John, his wife Nicola, and their team of florists create stunning displays from top quality seasonal blooms. And, as they are an independent florist, each bouquet or arrangement is a custom creation.

From late November, be sure to stop by their shop to pick out your Christmas tree! Many families have made this their annual ritual. They will have Nordmann Firs, and also Living Spruce Trees if you prefer to plant your tree in the garden after Christmas, and they deliver.

John’s great-grandparents who were from Barvas on the Isle of Lewis, would be proud of the company that they started in Glasgow over a century ago. Barvas & James is an enduring family legacy.

Another familiar face in the neighbourhood since 1979 is Roots, Fruits & Flowers. Its owner, Garth, has a long history with fresh produce, which began with working for a competitor’s fruit market, before leaving to start his own.

His initial foray into fruit, has morphed into a company that sells fruit and veg, flowers, whole foods, a whole foods deli and catering service! (They probably couldn’t fit all of that on the sign) They offer fruit and veg boxes, which are a mixture of fresh, local produce that can be delivered to your door either weekly, or bi-weekly. The contents of the box changes according to what’s in season, so you have to be open to eating with the natural variance of harvesting times.

The Whole Foods Deli, as the name implies, uses whole foods and organics in the dishes, with vegan and gluten free dishes on the menu, which again are prepared according to what’s in season. They also have delicious gluten-free cakes for dessert! You can have Roots, Fruits & Flowers cater your holiday meal or party, for innovative recipes that are good for you. But don’t delay! Kieran recommends ordering by the 1st of December to avoid disappointment. This year they will be offering organic turkeys.

If you’re looking for a gift (and who doesn’t love food?) you might consider one of their lovely cheese hampers or their full breakfast hampers. They’ll surely be appreciated and well-digested.

Roots, Fruits & Flowers will also have Christmas trees for sale, including organic and Living Trees and they’ll deliver to your door. The company has been moving things around a bit, with the flower shop and the fruit market trading places, but by the time you read this, they should be all settled in.

Another great way to shop several local businesses in one place is the Glasgow Farmers Market at Mansfield Park. Held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, this market may be a bit of a misnomer. There’s plenty of farmer’s produce, but there’s also lots of other interesting things from soup to soap.

The Caurnie Soaperie, located in Kirkintilloch comes to the market and sells their natural skin care soaps, shampoos, shower gels and lotions. They even have their own organic herb garden where they grow their own nettle for use in their products. They happen to be the oldest and last working soap makers in the world who use a natural soap making process known as coldprocess. In two years they will celebrate their 100 year anniversary!

At the other end of the spectrum is Root Candy. This energetic group of young entrepreneurs just launched in August, and sells baked goods and sweets that contain healthy ingredients such as beetroot and carrots. If you’re needing something interesting for a dinner party that will be innovative (and tastes great) stop by the market for some of their wares.

And there’s organic fruits and veg offered by Bellefield Organics from Abernethy, where you can pick up a little farm to table action. The market is also home to around 40 vendors, including those specialising in fish, pork, lamb, and even a local importer of French Provencal delicacies. Many shoppers drive from several miles away to attend the Mansfield Park Market. Residents of Glasgow’s West End are so lucky to have such a lovely market right at their doorstep.

It’s great to support all the local merchants who care so much about the products they bring to you and your family.

barvasandjames.com

rootsfruitsandflowers.com

citypropertymarkets.co.uk

The West End has recently enriched its selection of top restaurants with a Glaswegian/Italian institution: Celino’s. The family run business since 1982 – renowned for its Italian Deli in Alexandra Parade – now has a Partick branch.

When you step into Celino’s what will immediately strike you is the stunning deli counter full of delicious delicatessen from all over Italy. A shrine offering every precious kind of cured meet, olives, artisan cheeses and handmade street food and pastries from Celino’s own Italian chefs.

Inside the Trattoria, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly thanks to the staff’s typically Mediterranean approach, warm and stress-free. It will embrace you as if you were strolling around the streets of an Italian historical city, popping in for dinner in a typical Trattoria.

Moreish Grande Antipasto (minimum for two persons) is sure to catch your eye. This selection of cold and warm dishes titillates the senses and will have you staring longingly at the server bringing the tagliere (literally, the wood chopping board). It offers a delicious taste of the finest Italian cured meats, freshly sliced from the counter, Celino’s own homemade Porchetta and a selection of artisan cheeses and vegetables.

Warm options complete the offer with fried calamari, crispy seasoned polenta and small handmade arancini and an incredible breaded buffalo mozzarella. It’s so stretchy and warm, it will melt in your mouth – all served with their home-baked bread. This option offers an incomparable combination of great taste and food quantity. Rest assured you won’t regret it.

Afterwards, we shared a ‘della casa’ (homemade) pasta dish. Caserecce with Gorgonzola, castagne e funghi (gorgonzola cheese and chestnuts in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce) was too much of a temptation to consider any lighter option.

We refreshed ourselves with a pint of the Italian lager beer Menabrea, but surely, the vast selection of regional Italian wines will push you to become a real wine connoisseur.

From a light, zesty Pinot Bianco D.O.C. from Friuli, to a full-bodied red Barolo D.O.C.G. from Piemonte you will begin your quest for the perfect wine match for the food selected.

Ending this experience, I am caught by a deep nostalgia of my time in Florence, so my dessert of choice naturally falls onto Tuscan Vinsanto and home-baked cantucci (almond biscuits people often dip into sweet Vinsanto wine). What truly special treat!

Celino’s deli and trattoria offer a choice for everyone, as its motto ‘Tutto per tutti’ proclaims. You can either indulge yourself at the counter for the best food ‘il bel paese’ has to offer, or as an option for takeaway. For a quick breakfast or lunch, or sit in, relax and enjoy the experience of an authentic Italian trattoria in the heart of the West End.

Celino’s
235 Dumbarton Road G11 6AB
0141 341 0311
celinos.com