Tales from the early punk rock scene in Ipswich have inspired an author’s first full-length novel.
Virginia Betts released Burnt Lungs and Bitter Sweets on December 15.
The book, which started out as a poem before evolving into a short story and, finally, a novel, begins in the 1970s, with characters and events based on real people.
The book was launched at a party at Dial Lane Books. Picture supplied.
It follows the lives of four aging punk rock fans – Hoagie, Toad, Toggie and Jonesy – from their days as Sex Pistols fans, through to the 1990s rave scene and on to the present day.
Its launch was marked with an event at Dial Lane Books, in Ipswich town centre, on December 20.
Regarding her book, Virginia said: “Those who have pre-read it have commented that they laughed out loud and then felt a little bit bad about laughing.
Virginia Betts has launched her first full-length book, Burnt Lungs and Bitter Sweets. Picture supplied.
“Perhaps Trainspotting is the closest comparison I could make. It’s certainly ‘no-holds-barred’ and quite ‘brutally realistic’ in places. The genre was hard to pinpoint – its ‘Urban Grit’ for sure – I would say ‘Tragi-comedy’.”
Burnt Lungs and Bitter Sweets was published by Ipswich-based Urban Pigs Press, a non-profit firm that aims to ‘give a new platform’ to independent writers.
The novel starts off in 1976, following the group and their passion for music, shopping trollies and getting drunk.
Residents of Ipswich may recognise some familiar locations, including the River Gipping and the Spread Eagle pub.
The cover of Burnt Lungs and Bitter Sweets. Picture supplied.
Norwich Road, while not mentioned by name, also features.
One chapter also sees the gang visit Amsterdam to see the Sex Pistols on a barge.
With music playing a central role in the story, Virginia said it even had its own Spotify playlist which aims to ‘bring back the memories of pogoing in the back rooms of sweaty pubs to illegal raves in remote fields’.
The book was launched at a party at Dial Lane Books. Picture supplied.
The launch event was sponsored by Two Sisters Arts Centre, Geek Retreat Ipswich, Orwell Lady Cruises and Colourplan Printers.
Burnt Lungs and Bitter Sweets is available at Dial Lane Books or on Amazon.
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