The Working Class and Twenty-First-Century British Fiction looks at how the twenty-first-century British novel has explored contemporary working-class life. Studying the works of David Peace, Gordon Burn, Anthony Cartwright, Ross Raisin, Jenni Fagan, and Sunjeev Sahota, the book shows how they have mapped the shift from deindustrialisation through to stigmatization of individuals and communities who have experienced profound levels of destabilization and unemployment. O'Brien argues that these novels offer ways of understanding fundamental aspects of contemporary capitalism for the working class in modern Britain, including, class struggle, inequality, trauma, social abjection, racism, and stigmatization, exclusively looking at British working-class literature of the twenty-first century.

The Working Class and Twenty-First-Century British Fiction looks at how the twenty-first-century British novel has explored contemporary working-class life. Studying the works of David Peace, Gordon Burn, Anthony Cartwright, Ross Raisin, Jenni Fagan, and Sunjeev Sahota, the book shows how they have mapped the shift from deindustrialisation through to stigmatization of individuals and communities who have experienced profound levels of destabilization and unemployment. O'Brien argues that these novels offer ways of understanding fundamental aspects of contemporary capitalism for the working class in modern Britain, including, class struggle, inequality, trauma, social abjection, racism, and stigmatization, exclusively looking at British working-class literature of the twenty-first century.

Author Phil O'Brien charts the ascension of one of the greatest rock bands in the world today. In her fascinatingly introspective account, she tells how a band led by an introverted, self-confessed 'geek' struck such a huge emotional chord with their audience.
The book looks at the affect of fame upon the band, particularly on leader Chris Martin. Apart from regularly finding themselves to be cover stars of the music press, Martin's relationship with Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow has dragged him into the world of tabloid features and gossip columns. Considered a most unlikely couple by the press, the attention has caused Martin to retreat from the limelight in order to focus solely on music and worthy social causes.
Despite trying to hop off of the media merry-go-round, however, the sensitive songwriter recently commented triumphantly, at a London Earl's Court concert with Paltrow in attendance, 'This proves geeky kids can win through ' Coldplay: Look at the Stars charts the continuing rise to world stardom of those same kids now that they are grown up and reaching for the stars.

Written by an ex-prison governor, this book describes how a battle of wits goes on between the governor and his quarry. This can be dangerous for the unwary and those more orthodox.Each plots the downfall of the other and learns as they develop and mature. A professional reputation is made on the one hand; the ability to source drugs and weapons and plot escapes, on the other. Prisoners being allowed to set a violent agenda serve neither the public interest nor the public purse. We need informers but they are rarely admired. Nevertheless, this book demonstrates the role informers have to play in keeping the public safe. No prisoner rehabilitation can take place whilst the violent minority rule the roost. Born and brought up in Bradford, an advert for a career in the prison service caught Phil O'Brien's eye. He applied, was accepted and in his forty year career he went all round the country into every type of prison. He retired as a governor working in both the public and private sectors.