A review by abbie_
Elmet by Fiona Mozley

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
It was pretty much guaranteed I’d enjoy Elmet and enjoy it I did! Set in Yorkshire, it follows a small, unconventional family as they push back against societal norms, gender roles, and private landlords - a very interesting mash up and one that really works! Even if I did think the ending was a little over-dramatic.
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I loved the narrator of this, the youngest member of the family Daniel, who is 13-14. He lives with Daddy and his sister Cathy, a year older than him. Their father is a huge man, renowned in all of England and Ireland as the strongest bareknuckle fighter, taking home thousands in winnings when their family needs it. They live in a small copse on a piece of land they don’t own, but whose owner didn’t bother with it - until Daddy built their house there.
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Honestly I just loved the whole atmosphere of Elmet. The contrast between Daniel’s gentle narration, his careful and fastidious manner and how little he cares for traditional gender roles, and the underground world of violence, beyond the law, that they inhabit. Fiona Mozley’s writing, especially when it comes to nature, is stunning, and I loved the inclusion of the Yorkshire lilt in the dialogue. I’m from further North but always appreciate any Northern setting and characters in books!
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I think if you enjoyed Exit Management by Naomi Booth (similar themes of property ownership) and Lanny by Max Porter (not really similar but I got a familiar vibe) then you’ll enjoy this one too! And it’s another great queer British writer to add to your list ✨
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