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No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy

Memoirs of a Working-Class Reader

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No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy

By: Mark Hodkinson
Narrated by: Mark Hodkinson
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Mark Hodkinson grew up among the terrace houses of Rochdale in a house with just one book. His dad kept it on top of a wardrobe with other items of great worth - wedding photographs and Mark's National Cycling Proficiency certificate. If Mark wanted to read it, he was warned not to crease the pages or slam shut the covers.

Today, Mark is an author, journalist and publisher. He still lives in Rochdale but is now snugly ensconced (or is that buried?) in a 'book cave' surrounded by 3,500 titles - at the last count. No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy is his story of growing up a working-class lad during the 1970s and 1980s. It's about schools (bad), music (good) and the people (some mad, a few sane) and pre-eminently and profoundly the books and authors (some bad, mostly good) that led the way and shaped his life. It's also about a family who just didn't see the point of reading, and a troubled grandad who, in his own way, taught Mark the power of stories.

In recounting his own life-long love affair with books, Mark also tells the story of how writing and reading has changed over the last five decades, starting with the wave of working-class writers in the 1950s and '60s, where he saw himself reflected in books for the first time.

©2022 Mark Hodkinson (P)2022 Canongate Books Art & Literature Cultural & Regional Journalists, Editors & Publishers Memoir
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His explanation of books he has read and their origins help to illuminate the culture of north England

Empathy shown by author toward others in the telling of his story

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I would love to hear your top 100 books. ,
Not what you think you should say, but simply what you love.

working class bibliophile

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Having grown up in a working-class home close to Rochdale at around the same time as Mark Hodkinson, I was particularly intrigued by this book, and it didn't disappoint. At times poignant and humorous, while always remaining thought provoking, this book gave a sharply-observed view of its setting. By no means did I find myself always in agreement with Mark Hodkinson's opinions - Jane Austen IS magnificent - but I was always interested in his views.

A Paean to Reading

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A nice blend of autobiography, social & local history, well written and good have the author’s narration.

An interesting narrative

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I thoroughly enjoyed Hodkinson’s story of his northern working class upbringing and subsequent career as an independent book publisher and writer which was read by the author on audible.

A self confessed bibliophile, Mark writes wonderfully about the books that captivated and elevated him from humdrum surroundings making this reader want to re-read and explore those works. It’s partly polemical too with searing, vital sections on educational inequality, the publishing industry and our attitudes to mental health. A key strand throughout is the personal and familial relationships with his grandfather who has severe problems with his mental health.

This is no misery memoir however, there are many memorable, very funny passages and separate narrative about Mark’s lifelong involvement in music.

We’re of a similar age and background so I connected with this book very strongly. I recommend it highly.



Compelling memoir of a successful autodidact

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