The Girl Who Lived by the River

1975. Two teenagers. She plays cello. Will she teach him to play guitar?

​

​

"Hugely enjoyable. I cannot recommend this highly enough. This is a must for anyone who likes wry, comedic, coming of age stories."  UK reviewer

 

 

This funny, uplifting story begins in 1975, those far-off days of swapping LPs at school, searching for the inner poet, and practising guitar chords on a battered acoustic with three of its strings missing.

Against a backdrop of dock closures, the rise of the National Front, and the birth of punk rock, we follow would-be musical force Tom Alder’s hilarious and ultimately touching rite of passage in late-1970s Britain.

Both heartfelt and honest, The Girl Who Lived by the River is an unforgettable celebration of the joys and agonies of growing up.

Originally published as a four-part serial, this is the COMPLETE STORY in one package. Here's what UK readers said about the serial:

 

***** FIVE STARS: The real magic is that it matures with the characters. Whilst it begins in a flippant and comedic vein, laughing both with and at the lead character as he blunders his way from one botched opportunity to another, as the story moves along it develops a real seriousness and skilfully takes the reader with it. The ending, which is never predictable even as far on as the final chapter, transpires to be both powerful and gratifying.

***** FIVE STARS: Hugely enjoyable. I cannot recommend this highly enough. This is a must for anyone who likes wry, comedic, coming of age stories. The climax provides a surprisingly moving emotional punch along with the laughs and smiles. Read this!

***** FIVE STARS: Great read! Satisfying with smiles and tears in equal measure (yes it made me cry). The characters are fun, compelling and pleasingly honest; and it's been a pleasure to share their journey.

***** FIVE STARS: Really brilliant.