Coal Black Mornings

Synopsis

Evening Standard Book of the Year. Observer Book of the Year. Guardian Book of the Year. Sunday Times Book of the Year. Telegraph Book of the Year. New Statesman Book of the Year. Herald Book of the Year. Mojo Book of the Year.

Brett Anderson came from a world impossibly distant from rock star success, and in Coal Black Mornings he traces the journey that took him from a childhood as 'a snotty, sniffy, slightly maudlin sort of boy raised on Salad Cream and milky tea and cheap meat' to becoming founder and lead singer of Suede.

Anderson grew up in Hayward's Heath on the grubby fringes of the Home Counties. As a teenager he clashed with his eccentric taxi-driving father (who would parade around their council house dressed as Lawrence of Arabia, air-conducting his favourite composers) and adored his beautiful, artistic mother. He brilliantly evokes the seventies, the suffocating discomfort of a very English kind of poverty and the burning need for escape that it breeds. Anderson charts the shabby romance of creativity as he travelled the tube in search of inspiration, fuelled by Marmite and nicotine, and Suede's rise from rehearsals in bedrooms, squats and pubs. And he catalogues the intense relationships that make and break bands as well as the devastating loss of his mother.

Coal Black Mornings is profoundly moving, funny and intense - a book which stands alongside the most emotionally truthful of personal stories.

About the Publisher

Abacus

Abacus is home to some of the world?s most renowned authors, including Donna Tartt, Gore Vidal, Jane Gardam, Primo Levi and Beryl Bainbridge. In 2013, we celebrated our 40th anniversary with the reissue of 18 of our classic books ? a wonderfully diverse collection ranging from Douglas Coupland?s Generation X and Iain Banks? The Wasp Factory, to Tom Holland?s Rubicon and Alexander McCall Smith?s The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Originally a non-fiction list with something of an ecological flavour, Abacus has evolved over the years to become one of the most renowned homes for quality fiction and non-fiction, and one with a particularly strong tradition in bestselling memoirs, notably Nelson Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom and historian William Woodruff's double No. 1 bestsellers The Road to Nab End and Beyond Nab End. Our non-fiction publishing grew further with the publication of books by some of the most influential writers in their fields, such as Tim Harford, Gillian Tett and Tom Holland, and our fiction publishing continues to go from strength to strength, driven by a new generation of novelists like Kevin Maher and A. D. Miller, who sit alongside global bestsellers like Anita Shreve and Candace Bushnell.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Hunter

* Summary: Elizabeth is a young Aboriginal woman living in a remote Australian community. She struggles to find a sense of belonging and purpose amidst poverty, racism, and the legacy of colonization.
* Real example: Elizabeth befriends an elderly bushman named Frank, who teaches her about her Indigenous heritage and the importance of connecting with the land.

Chapter 2: The River

* Summary: Elizabeth embarks on a journey to reclaim her identity by traveling to the river where her ancestors lived. Along the way, she faces challenges and encounters people who help her understand her past.
* Real example: Elizabeth meets a white woman named Dr. Sarah Wilson, who conducts research on Aboriginal health and culture. Sarah provides Elizabeth with insights into her own history and the complexities of the Indigenous experience.

Chapter 3: The Town

* Summary: Elizabeth returns to her community, determined to make a difference. She confronts racial prejudice, advocates for justice, and seeks to create a better future for her people.
* Real example: Elizabeth organizes a protest against the town council's decision to build a road through a sacred Aboriginal site. Her actions galvanize the community and bring attention to the ongoing struggles of Indigenous Australians.

Chapter 4: The Mountain

* Summary: Elizabeth embarks on a mountain climb with her friend Frank. The journey is both physically and emotionally challenging, but it also provides them with a sense of accomplishment and connection.
* Real example: Elizabeth and Frank reach the summit of the mountain, overlooking vast Aboriginal lands. The experience gives them a renewed appreciation for their heritage and the beauty of their country.

Chapter 5: The Bushfire

* Summary: Elizabeth's community is threatened by a devastating bushfire. Amidst the chaos and danger, she rallies her people to fight for their survival.
* Real example: Elizabeth organizes an emergency firefighting team and helps evacuate residents to safety. Her leadership and compassion inspire the community to overcome adversity.

Chapter 6: The Homecoming

* Summary: In the aftermath of the bushfire, Elizabeth returns to her community to rebuild and heal. She reflects on her journey and the challenges and triumphs she has faced.
* Real example: Elizabeth establishes a cultural center where Indigenous Australians can learn about their heritage and share their traditions. Her efforts contribute to fostering a sense of pride and resilience within the community.