In 1989, 18-year-old John Finch spends his Saturdays following Nottingham Forest up and down the country, and the rest of the week trudging the streets of his hometown as a postal worker. Leading inexorably towards the FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough, the worst sporting disaster on British history, 'Fan' glides between 1989 and 2004, when the true impact of this tragic day becomes evident.
“"In spare, atmospheric prose, Rhodes alternates between past and present, between home and away, exploring the neglect that led to the tragedy, the massive cultural changes that followed, and the lure of soccer, crowds, and violence for aimless young men... An affecting novel, one that is as dark and haunting as its subject." -- Booklist "Booklist"”
Danny Rhodes' spare prose is convincing . . . he asks important questions about social justice, but also tells a compellingly human story. New Statesman
If you watched football in teh 1980s, you'll want to read it. If you started watching the game post-Hillsborough, you MUST read it. -- Steven Wilson Match of the Day commentator
Rhodes depiction of disaster and ensuing PTSD has the ring of authenticity: he was at Hillsborough that fateful day. Daily Mail
Danny Rhodes grew up in Grantham, Lincolnshire before moving to Kent in 1994 to attend university in Canterbury. He has lived in the cathedral city ever since. After a number of his short stories appeared in magazines on both sides of the
Atlantic his debut novel, Asboville, was published in October 2006. Well received by critics, it was selected as a Waterstones Paperback of the Year and it has been adapted for BBC Films by the dramatist Nick Leather. Rhodes' second novel Soldier Boy was published in February 2009. Fan is Danny's third novel, and he continues to write short stories in a variety of genres.This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.