4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Raggy Arsed Lads is an Audible book authored by Allan Finlay. The story is set in a humble background around 60 years ago in England. Ordinary people with strong characters look satisfied with their jobs working in mills and mines. They do not desire change because it gives them a sense of security. They live for the moment, and laughter is the cure for all problems. Raggy Arsed Lads are naughty but very helpful and hardworking. The class system is strong, and a boy usually follows the same profession as his father.
Tommy McCue’s father is a coal miner in a smoky town. He dies in a tragic mine collapse. The young lad supports his mother by taking up odd jobs, but he dreams of doing great things in life. Several years later, he is the owner of a yard on Stumble Street. Rosie is in her mid-fifties and works as his secretary. Tommy gathers metals and other products from demolitions that are sold to scrap dealers. He also scraps vehicles to sell their parts. Big Barry assists him and is a very funny character who excels as a mechanic. A young lad, Norman, is thrilled to work with them. There’s nothing like Kathy’s Full Monty Breakfast which the townspeople enjoy.
Councilor Bumsgrove is the baddie in the plot. He is the character I dislike most because he hates Tommy and harasses him to the point of starting legal proceedings to terminate his business. The Raggy Arsed Lads play pranks on him and make one laugh heartily throughout the story. The events bring out the reality of starting a new business and struggling to come up in life. I noticed that the people belonging to the older generation are very helpful and do so without any display. I like how a dealer named Mr. McManus decides to let Tommy learn through difficulties. There is a scene in which Tommy is tempted to take away copper pipes lying along the roadside. He loads them onto his bus but changes his mind and begins unloading them as soon as his conscience pricks him. The most hilarious part of the story is when Tommy signs a contract to scrap 50 double-decker buses, which are then driven by Raggy Arsed Lads from London to the yard. A duplicate of Elvis Presley entertains them along the way.
The author is very innovative regarding character development, and it is a delight to listen to the dialogues. The story changes pace depending on the setting. It is slow in the small town and fast when they are driving. It is motivational and full of amusement.
I did not come across any technical issues or errors in the narrative. It takes 2 to 3 hours to listen to the entire book on Audible, depending on how slowly you play it. You may also read it simultaneously on Kindle for a different experience. The narrator is excellent in his presentation with his ability to change his voice to represent different characters with their varied personalities. His speech is clear, and he has good intonation. For all these reasons, I am happy to rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. People of all age groups will enjoy it. Raggy Arsed Lads is an excellent educational tool for teenagers who struggle through life with joy.
******
Raggy Arsed Lads
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Renu G's review? Post a comment saying so!
