This October London-based Scottish author and broadcaster Julie Hamill is delighted to see the release of the eagerly awaited sequel to Frank (2017), her latest novel, Jackie, via Saron Publishers. The book is the second in the Life and Soul Series about the McNeill family and their ongoing lives after the loss of mum/wife June. Whilst the trilogy is focused on the theme of grief, it is written with Hamill’s natural comedic flair for dialogue that adds to believability of the typical working class characters.
The story is set in Airdrie, Scotland and Jackie sees Frank’s daughter still trying to make sense of her dead mother’s past and try to uncover a secret that has been kept from her. In doing so Jackie finds more than she bargained for and has to encourage a reluctant Frank to reveal the truth. Jackie also shows the struggle of a single mum trying to find love and includes a secondary plotline about Jackie’s friend Daniel who struggles with his sexuality amidst a media context of terrifying AIDS adverts and leaflets.
A Spotify playlist accompanying the Jackie soundtrack of 1989 and before can be found here
There is also a Spotify playlist for Frank https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1lvsfCoND3SXpuTvgfRlN0?si=quwHkaZtSSakIyXqHLJGYA
The Life and Soul series has received praise from Emmy award winning writer David Quantick (Veep, Brass Eye, The Day Today, Harry Hill, Harry Enfield, Smack The Pony) ‘A brilliant and funny read. A beautifully-written and emotional book full of wit and memorable writing.’
Award-winning Cracker screenwriter Jimmy McGovern has also declared his love for the series: ‘I really enjoyed Frank; it’s a great slice of working class life’.
Wayne Hussey from The Mission is a fan of Julie’s writing, describing ‘Frank is a little beauty’, as has Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh and BBC Comedy writer Andrew McGibbon and many others.
Julie has received extensive welcoming coverage from the Scottish Daily newspapers such as the Daily Record
Julie has also been invited on the prestigious Alan McGee show to discuss her work and the link to the interview can be found here: https://www.mixcloud.com/BoogalooRadio/riots-raves-and-running-a-label-special-guest-texas-bob-feat-julie-hamill/
Books one and two in the Life and Soul series Frank and Jackie are now available from Amazon and all good bookshops. Frank has received forty-five Amazon reviews, and Jackie, only released on Tuesday is already receiving massive accolades in the literary industry.
Book Julie Hamill at Atrium Talent