THE BLURB
Loss and loneliness in childhood lead introvert middle-class Kit Ramsay into forbidden friendship and taboo territory with Liverpool tough boy, Terry Dacosta. Violence and deprivation in Terry’s childhood, drive him to aspire to a life like Kit’s. Their early experiences in 60s and 70s Liverpool are to have far-reaching effects on their adult lives and relationships in 90s Bournemouth.
WHAT I THOUGHT
This book shows how your past affects your future and how your present affects your memories of the past.
Alternating between the past and present day the reader learns predominately about Kit Ramsay and how he came to be the man he is today. Kit’s family situation took a brutal blow when he was younger and he had to move in with his aunty. Not too keen on the idea at first Kit did settle in and make some friends. Kit was drawn to Terry Dacosta, the resident ratbag, and they got up to quite a few things they perhaps shouldn’t have. Mind you, they were not always alone, Terry’s siblings were also involved and I think this is what most appealed to Kit. Kit wanted to be part of Terry’s family, he wanted to feel he was part of a family again and he desperately wanted a brother.
In the present time Kit’s aunty has passed away and Kit returns to his aunty’s house to deal with her effects. A lot of memories are brought to the surface, a lot of feelings also. It is as though Kit is taking a deeper look into himself, being aware of his current situation and how his past may have affected that.
Throughout the book the reader also gets an insight into Terry’s life, past and present, and his thoughts. It seems Terry wanted/wants to be like Kit. Funny how these things work sometimes, isn’t it?
Along the way there are other friendships and relationships mentioned, females play a part in both the past and the present. Bonds are developed, secrets kept and feelings brought to the forefront. It is a book of discovery and realisation.
I liked how the storyline jumped back and forward, it helped me to understand how the present day came to be the way it was. Once again Kate Rigby has showcased the realness of life, of people and of how things turn out to be so. Suckers n Scallies demonstrates how important relationships are, relationships with different people and at different times. It also demonstrates how past events and relationships shape you into who you are and in turn shape your thoughts for the future. We don’t come to be who we are right at this very minute by accident. Nobody goes through life unscathed. The people in our lives play a very important part, whether they be Suckers or Scallies.
Many thanks to Kate Rigby for providing me with a copy of Sucka! – thanks, Kate!
Check out Kate’s author profile by clicking here
