Parthian picks up Bedford's state-of-the-nation debut

Parthian has picked up A Bad Decade for Good People, a “fantastic” state-of-the-nation debut novel by Joe Bedford.

Editor Robert Harries signed world rights directly from the author, for publication in June 2023. Bedford previously worked on the novel with writer, journalist and Galley Beggar Press co-director Sam Jordison via Jericho Writers, as well as with authors George Green and Graham Mort, and it was longlisted for the Grindstone Novel Prize in 2020.

Its synopsis states: “After a policeman’s baton nearly blinds her at a riot, the hot-headed Laurie enters adult life with her fists raised. Several years later, her sensitive brother, George, follows her to Brexit-era Brighton, where he, too, quickly immerses himself in the city’s parties, protests and Pride marches. However, his attention is soon diverted by mysterious Spanish migrant Antonio, who seeks information about his long-lost great-grandfather, an English volunteer in the Spanish Civil War. George’s offer of help forges an intimate camaraderie and draws him deeper into Laurie’s liberal social circle. But soon, the increasingly sexual undertones of George and Antonio’s friendship, Antonio’s inability to adapt to their liberal community and Laurie’s increasing political zeal, as well as an old secret George has harboured since his sister’s attack, threaten to fracture the group for good.”

Harries said: “Though the Brexit referendum is now some six years ago, the hulking spectre of it continues to loom over Britain, and the need for political agency amid governmental corruption and rampant intolerance feels more pressing with each passing day. Thankfully, this wonderful debut emerged via our open submissions call as an exceedingly assured, rousing tonic to these perennially turbulent times, for within the fractious yet loving bonds between George, Laurie and Antonio is a tale of huge emotional resonance and fierce hope. A Bad Decade for Good People is a fantastic, contemporary state-of-the-nation novel easily up there with the works of the form’s current leaders such as Glen James Brown and Sam Byers."

Bedford added: “I’ve been in awe of Parthian’s authors ever since I stumbled across the fabulous Tristan Hughes several years ago. Their commitment not just to classic and contemporary Welsh writing (of which they hold an outstanding list) but to debut UK fiction such as mine is a real testament to the vitality of the independent publishing industry. Working with editor Robert Harries and the team is an absolute privilege, and a humbling joy that I’m not sure I’ll ever fully recover from. My only hope is that this book will do good for the proud and beautiful people of Brighton and Hove who were its inspiration.”