It Was A Riot by Daniel Hall (Book Review #1916)

Daniel Hall’s “It Was A Riot” offers a gripping and authentic exploration of growing up gay in the violent and poverty-stricken streets of East London. The novel centers on Eddy, whose childhood is overshadowed by relentless bullying, rejection, and the oppressive presence of his football hooligan father. Enrolling in medical school provides Eddy with a glimmer of hope, but it also launches him into a new realm of struggles that will shape his destiny.

Eddy’s journey takes him from the brutal front lines of the Falklands War to the destitute mining communities of Northern England, and the drug-fueled raves of London. Throughout these experiences, Eddy desperately tries to numb his pain and escape his inner demons, but his efforts prove futile. The specter of AIDS looms large, and he is powerless to save his closest friends from succumbing to the disease.

Eddy’s turmoil reaches a critical point when a protest turns violent, leading to a manslaughter charge and a biased court system determined to imprison him. As his case becomes a national sensation, Eddy makes a shocking discovery about his past, forcing him to reevaluate his life and priorities. He must confront the shadow of his father’s judgment and decide whether he can accept himself for who he truly is.

“It Was A Riot” is a compelling and deeply moving contemporary LGBT fiction novel set against the backdrop of 1980s England. Hall masterfully delves into themes of identity, sexuality, paternal rejection, and the quest for self-acceptance. Eddy’s story is a poignant reminder of the harsh realities faced by many in the LGBT community during this era, as well as the resilience required to overcome them.

Fans of character-driven epics like Tomasz Jedrowski’s “Swimming in the Dark” and Douglas Stuart’s “Shuggie Bain” will find much to admire in Hall’s work. “It Was A Riot” is a must-read for those who appreciate nuanced storytelling and the exploration of complex human emotions. Eddy’s journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who fight for their identity and self-worth in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Written by Jeyran Main




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