The original novel published in 1974

[barmpot]

Aas I have not yet got the book by Alan Bell I have been re-reading the novel Roy Clarke wrote which formed the basis for "Getting Sam Home" although the original book featured Blamire rather than Foggy.

I know we have discussed this before - with the details fitting far better with Blamire than they do with Foggy.

However, I was struck by the language and some of the very , to me at any rate, realistic scenes of 1970s life. It seemed rather more 'earthy' than anything shown on TV, not that I see that as detrimental but for me it made it more believable.

Some of the incidental details would almost make a half hour programme in them selves, Mr Crabtree of the photographic studios, Micklethwaite the shop keeper and so on.

The great thing about a novel is that the characters can be more finely drawn and other details included which flesh out the whole tale. A great pity that there were not more novels in this vein - yes there are the two Summer Wine Chronicles which involve Seymour, but for me they lack some of this raw northern feeling.



I was wondering what others, who have read the book, think?

 

[wstol]

I agree with you entirely.

I like the way the book is written. As it was published in 1974, it has more in common with series one and two, which was fairly gritty and had bad language.

Though it has to be said, the book is far more cruder than the series could ever have been.

The book does create some fascinating images of the main characters and also the minor characters.

A lot of the softer dialogue did make it to the tv special, which was wonderful.

I like the scene in the book where the trio, separately, can't sleep. Wonderfully written, and certainly in keeping with the early series.

I keep reading the book, and between the lines it is quite clear that Lily is written as some kind of prostitute or escort. Very racy.

The writing style changed a bit for the two Seymour books. I quite liked The Moonbather. Can't get into Gala Week, but will have another go soon I hope.