“Fallout is a surprisingly hilarious romp through a high-stakes era for our planet, shining light on what holds us together. Greenham Common becomes a backdrop to a story that breaks out and asks us how we might live and love differently for the benefit of humanity. Anstruther disarms the gender trap of the conventional nuclear family just when we need it most. Bravo.”
I came for the glorious portal back to my teenage 80s and I stayed for a gripping story about the politics that were playing out everywhere, from the global stage to the kitchen sink. This sharp, often funny and deeply moving novel challenges us all to question: How free are we, really, to be our real selves?
"In this wonderful novel, Anstruther's customary mastery of the language is in the service of a gripping story and the creation of a host of fascinating and engagingly exasperating characters. But this book goes further: it reminds us all of the power of protest and the transformative power of human solidarity when pursuing a single cause. I loved it."
Anstruther combines beautiful prose with great storytelling. Equal parts historical reporting and family drama, Fallout is illuminating, inspiring, and funny. I enjoyed every minute of it.
“Fallout should be required reading in classrooms around the globe, offering minds a rare opportunity to grapple with the transformative angst and fire that define each generation. Through Eleanor’s complex, yearning characters, readers confront the inner and outer changes necessary to reimagine the boundaries—and boundlessness—of our lives. The novel inspires critical thinking about identity, resilience, and societal growth, equipping us to navigate our own transformative journeys with empathy and courage.”
Eleanor Anstruther's compulsive novel, is a poignant, often laugh out loud funny step back into the 1980's, the shenanigans of both government and police surrounding the warranted protest of the thirty-thousand women that made Greenham Common a household name. Brilliantly executed around a typical, gender messy, highly plausible nuclear family of that era, she masterfully unveils the taboo of stepping out, being human and proud of it. I didn't want it to end!
“If resistance were a blossom, unfurling. The story of community forming in small leaps, and measures, by people willing to hold the faith that we can all do better for each other. In the face of rigid, systemic cynicism, the women of Greenham find a way to nudge us out of our comfort zones, and into a space of possibility. Asking: Maybe it doesn’t have to be this way”
Thank you! Loved the book, and especially the part about how movements get muddled by manifestos and leaders co-opting things for top-down control. That bit really stuck with me. But overall a very memorable story that introduced me to the topic - I had no idea about before reading.
This novel is a compelling read of the lives of genuine fictional characters against the backdrop of the Greenham Common protest. Eleanor Anstruther’s skilled storytelling reveals the complexities of the human spirit and the dynamics of family life with both poignancy and humour. Irresistible.
"Prepare to laugh, cry, and question everything you thought you knew about family, love, and rebellion. In FALLOUT, Eleanor Anstruther delivers a dazzling and unexpectedly hilarious novel that melds the irreverent wit of Fleabag with the biting dynamics of Bad Sisters.
Set against the riveting historical backdrop of the Greenham Common women’s peace protests, Anstruther introduces us to Bridget, Janet, and Ray—three unforgettable characters whose lives collide in a quest for something greater than themselves. As they dismantle the notions of the traditional family, they uncover the radical possibilities of grace, forgiveness, and living with purpose.
With razor-sharp humor and a profound emotional core, FALLOUT is a fresh, fearless exploration of humanity’s potential to rethink how we connect and thrive for a better future. A masterful work of fiction that challenges, delights, and lingers long after the final page, this is a novel destined to leave its mark." -AKJ ❤️
In “Fallout,” Eleanor Anstruther brings to vivid life the overlooked history of the Greenham Women’s protest of the 1980s. It begins as the story of Bridget, a teenage girl rebelling against her conventional suburban parents, moves on to introduce brave, quirky women holding their ground in defense of life, and leaves ample room for big surprises. This is a must-read story of heroism, hilarity and grief, secrets revealed, and enduring solidarity built on a foundation of fierce love.
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters , and they were characters , in this novel . My favourite thing though is the time honoured power to protest , speak out and up for those that can’t and for ourselves. The power of humanity concerned for humanity ! Thanks Ella
“Fallout is a surprisingly hilarious romp through a high-stakes era for our planet, shining light on what holds us together. Greenham Common becomes a backdrop to a story that breaks out and asks us how we might live and love differently for the benefit of humanity. Anstruther disarms the gender trap of the conventional nuclear family just when we need it most. Bravo.”
Wonderful. Thanks Eliza 🙌☮️
My pleasure
I came for the glorious portal back to my teenage 80s and I stayed for a gripping story about the politics that were playing out everywhere, from the global stage to the kitchen sink. This sharp, often funny and deeply moving novel challenges us all to question: How free are we, really, to be our real selves?
Perfect. Thank you so much.
"In this wonderful novel, Anstruther's customary mastery of the language is in the service of a gripping story and the creation of a host of fascinating and engagingly exasperating characters. But this book goes further: it reminds us all of the power of protest and the transformative power of human solidarity when pursuing a single cause. I loved it."
You've been such a constant friend throughout this novel. Thanks so much.
Anstruther combines beautiful prose with great storytelling. Equal parts historical reporting and family drama, Fallout is illuminating, inspiring, and funny. I enjoyed every minute of it.
🙌❤️☮️
“Fallout should be required reading in classrooms around the globe, offering minds a rare opportunity to grapple with the transformative angst and fire that define each generation. Through Eleanor’s complex, yearning characters, readers confront the inner and outer changes necessary to reimagine the boundaries—and boundlessness—of our lives. The novel inspires critical thinking about identity, resilience, and societal growth, equipping us to navigate our own transformative journeys with empathy and courage.”
If an editor doesn't offer me a deal on that blurb alone then there's something wrong with them. Thanks my friend 🙌
Eleanor Anstruther's compulsive novel, is a poignant, often laugh out loud funny step back into the 1980's, the shenanigans of both government and police surrounding the warranted protest of the thirty-thousand women that made Greenham Common a household name. Brilliantly executed around a typical, gender messy, highly plausible nuclear family of that era, she masterfully unveils the taboo of stepping out, being human and proud of it. I didn't want it to end!
love love love that. Thank you
“If resistance were a blossom, unfurling. The story of community forming in small leaps, and measures, by people willing to hold the faith that we can all do better for each other. In the face of rigid, systemic cynicism, the women of Greenham find a way to nudge us out of our comfort zones, and into a space of possibility. Asking: Maybe it doesn’t have to be this way”
Ah that’s brilliant. Thank you
Thank you! Loved the book, and especially the part about how movements get muddled by manifestos and leaders co-opting things for top-down control. That bit really stuck with me. But overall a very memorable story that introduced me to the topic - I had no idea about before reading.
Yes, ideas vs ideologies...
This novel is a compelling read of the lives of genuine fictional characters against the backdrop of the Greenham Common protest. Eleanor Anstruther’s skilled storytelling reveals the complexities of the human spirit and the dynamics of family life with both poignancy and humour. Irresistible.
Wonderful!🙌🏻 thank you so much
Ok, here's my attempt:
"Prepare to laugh, cry, and question everything you thought you knew about family, love, and rebellion. In FALLOUT, Eleanor Anstruther delivers a dazzling and unexpectedly hilarious novel that melds the irreverent wit of Fleabag with the biting dynamics of Bad Sisters.
Set against the riveting historical backdrop of the Greenham Common women’s peace protests, Anstruther introduces us to Bridget, Janet, and Ray—three unforgettable characters whose lives collide in a quest for something greater than themselves. As they dismantle the notions of the traditional family, they uncover the radical possibilities of grace, forgiveness, and living with purpose.
With razor-sharp humor and a profound emotional core, FALLOUT is a fresh, fearless exploration of humanity’s potential to rethink how we connect and thrive for a better future. A masterful work of fiction that challenges, delights, and lingers long after the final page, this is a novel destined to leave its mark." -AKJ ❤️
That’s beautiful. Thank you so much ❤️🙌☮️
Slice and dice however you need. See you in a bit ❤️
In “Fallout,” Eleanor Anstruther brings to vivid life the overlooked history of the Greenham Women’s protest of the 1980s. It begins as the story of Bridget, a teenage girl rebelling against her conventional suburban parents, moves on to introduce brave, quirky women holding their ground in defense of life, and leaves ample room for big surprises. This is a must-read story of heroism, hilarity and grief, secrets revealed, and enduring solidarity built on a foundation of fierce love.
Bingo. Thanks Julie ☮️
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters , and they were characters , in this novel . My favourite thing though is the time honoured power to protest , speak out and up for those that can’t and for ourselves. The power of humanity concerned for humanity ! Thanks Ella
Love you miss you em ☮️
Still reading!
okay! what chapter are you on?
6 - was only able to start reading this weekend. It's taking me right back to my 1980s teens... evocative stuff!
okay, I'll dm you with a plan so that you can finish it without rushing.