Books / bristol author
Local author Chris Brown releases ‘chilling conspiracy thriller’ set in Bristol
Following Guilty Tiger, his first book to feature “unlikely hero and ex-football terrace hardman” Steve Allen, local author Chris Brown has published the sequel, Chicken City.
Pitched as a hard-hitting page-turner, the novel imagines a dystopian future in which, with a far-right Government and a huge anti-EU mandate in place, the UK creates vast migrant cities on brownfield sites.
In these so-called ‘Chicken Cities’, residents are tracked using GPS microchips, and their housing and education is guaranteed in return for the mass production of food, clothing and electronic devices.
is needed now More than ever
The narrative is underpinned by serious questions around Government surveillance, civil liberties, modern-day slavery, the migrant crisis and the exploitation of refugees.
“It carries a stark warning about the abuse of power in the face of complex social issues,” says Brown. “But there’s also an underlying tale of dark sexual temptation, a cracking soundtrack and a fair bit of dark comedy, as well as a continuing love story that rolls over from Guilty Tiger.”
Describing himself as “a regular sort of bloke who likes to write”, and a hobbyist rather than a professional, Brown has at times contended with writer’s block – not least the self-discipline of sitting down to a blank page amidst the juggle of working life.
Eventually, he found a natural rhythm of writing only when the ideas came to him, and although Chicken City took him eight years to complete, it’s been an enjoyable process to reflect on.
Bristol novelist Chris Brown, author of Guilty Tiger and Chicken City
“You write about what you know,” he muses, “so Steve Allen is a white, working-class bloke from humble beginnings. Like Brown, Allen is a Bristol Rovers fan and a real ale drinker who listens to ska, reggae, soul, funk and punk.
“He’s a bit of a flawed character really; a natural born cynic who is frequently disillusioned with the world around him.
“He can definitely rub some people up the wrong way and he’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But he also has a distinct sense of morality. Deep down he’s a good guy whose life has gone a bit astray.”
Chris Brown: Chicken City is available now.
All photos: Chris Brown
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
