‘A mighty and moving hymn to belonging, pride and growth. Only a man unafraid to write from within his own culture could produce, without any sentimentality, such a passionately-convicted work. If you feel yourself playing host to the demon of judgementalism, then read Playing Mercy.’
Niall Griffiths
‘The first novel I've read that manages to portray the underclass without resorting to either cartoons or dull as ditchwater thriller convention.’
The Guardian
‘…told with immense compassion… a powerful, absorbing account of life on a British estate…’
The Big Issue
Chris and his mates are oblivious to the attentions of the security guards every time they enter the shopping centre, their interests lie in designer-wear and girls rather than in intimidating those around them. In the "respect culture" of a community beset with violence and crime, Chris's personal principles, reflecting the honesty and values of working-class Britain, allow him to win through.
About The Author:
Matthew David Scott was born and raised in Manchester, England and now lives in Newport, Wales. He has published two novels with Parthian to date, Playing Mercy, and The Ground Remembers and his short fiction has appeared in several anthologies, magazines, and journals. His spoken word work has been heard on Channel 4, the Fabric Live mix series and on various stages including the Green Man festival, The Laugharne Weekend and La Violette Società. A founder member of the celebrated theatre company Slung Low, Matthew has had his work produced at The Barbican, The Almeida, The Lowry, and Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre, as well as in car parks, fields, and entire city centres both nationally and internationally. Matthew is a recipient of the Samuel Beckett Theatre Trust Award and is a member of The Welsh Academy. He can be contacted through the Society of Authors, or by tweeting him @ScottySlunglow.