I was super excited by this queer little book set in a mining town in the north of England, and in many ways it did deliver but I was also left wanting a bit more from it. I read it during a mega busy period at work, so it took me about 3 days to read the first half. The second half which I read in one sitting landed much better, so perhaps it’s one of those books best devoured all in one go. 

Pity explores (however briefly) the lives of a few men, queer and straight (and some not as straight as they appear) in a mining town in Barnsley, Yorkshire. I live in an old mining town myself, and I really enjoyed the exploration of the effect Thatcher had on the industry, as well as the expectations on men to perform a certain type of masculinity. 

The star of the book is Simon, a drag performer with a few side hustles (including his OnlyFans account and betting shop gig) to make ends meet. He wants to take his drag to the next level, make it art instead of some quirky entertainment for pissed punters. The book explores his relationship with his father, often walking on eggshells around his som, as well as his blossoming relationship with Ryan, a gay man who doesn’t seem fully comfortable accepting Simon’s feminine side when he’s in drag. 

There are also several little asides told in a chorus-like manner - gossip from locals, CCTV footage. These parts felt like they had potential, but I’m not sure, something felt not quite developed. I did love the cutaways to the miners, it is a brutal industry and it’s a little mind-boggling how much a town can be built around coal and the men who dig it out of the ground. 

Overall, I enjoyed it but wanted more from it. Would definitely pick up the author’s future works!