In the Shadow of the Wheel

By David Tomlinson

A darkly funny, heartfelt and unforgettable novel set against the 1984 to 1985 miners' strike. When a whole community goes on strike, it is not just the mines that shut down. Livelihoods, routines, identities and futures are all put at risk. In the Northern village of Malton, where humour is a survival instinct and loyalty is non-negotiable, even the hardest moments come with laughter.

When coal runs out and tensions rise, friendships are tested and police lines tighten. The men of Malton must learn how to strike and how to survive. Soup kitchens, secret pickets, community chaos and a few unexpected crises pull the village together in ways no one expects.

Inspired by true events, In the Shadow of the Wheel blends gritty drama with sharp British humour, capturing the resilience of working class families during one of Britain's most turbulent industrial conflicts.

Perfect for readers of the following: Roddy DoyleBilly Elliot and Brassed OffWorking class British fictionDark comedy with emotional depthFiction based on real historical eventsA story of struggle, solidarity and the unstoppable humour of the North.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1915730694
• ISBN13: 9781915730695
• Release Date: December 2025
• Publisher: Print and Publish Books
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"