John Harvey's young adult novel 'Blue Watch' launches in London
Out now: John Harvey’s tense adventure novel for young adults, Blue Watch: London Under Fire.
A deep bow to the lovely folks at London’s Lutyens and Rubinstein bookshop and literary agency for hosting our London launch of the book.
Author John Harvey (far left), Troika’s Martin West (right of John), book designer Louise Millar (far right), Sarah and Caroline of Lutyens and Rubinstein (left and next left of Louise respectively).
Martin West, Troika’s founder and publisher, said, “We’re really proud to be publishing John's first book for young people. When I first read the manuscript I knew straight away we had to do it. And when Roy (Johnson, Troika’s co-owner and editor) got just as excited about it, well that was our decision made!”
“It’s fast-paced and exciting, with utterly believable characters and plenty of drama with the backdrop of war and turmoil.”
John Harvey said, “I've always wanted to write a book for children, in this case teenagers. The story is based on the experiences of my father, who served in the London fire brigade during the second world war. Like Jack, the central character in the book, I was evacuated out of London, but I always wanted to know more about what my father must have experienced during those bombing raids. Unlike Jack, I didn't run away and become a fire brigade messenger, but writing the story led me to research the blitz, the local people, and of course the experience of a messenger criss-crossing the city in such dangerous conditions. As with all writing processes, one idea led to another and another… and ultimately I hope I've created an exciting story that’s historically accurate, but equally full of drama and tension - and love too.”
Find out more about Blue Watch and about author John Harvey.