The Blurb:

No one chooses to live in Bronford with it’s overshadowing towers and barb-wired school. The harsh reality is a shock to once-rich Angela who now struggles with a baby and unsympathetic husband; Angus dreams of Scotland… overlooking the antics of his wayward daughter, and Roberta is content to watch everything from her top floor flat, hated and hating. In the local Tavern Jackson presides over the gossip – whilst bad boy Ross plays with the affections of the community, but will he always skip free from the consequences? Throughout the seven short stories, told over the same seven days, Bill drives his Ice Cream van – distributing much more than just ice cream… Every city has a Bronford.

The Review:

A collection of seven short tales that combine and overlap to form a satisfying read. Each story focuses on a particular character and their troubles, while Bill and his ice cream van Gertie, appear in each story as the central point of the community where lives intertwine. It is very cleverly and skilfully written and although the stories cover some grim topics including rape, homelessness, violence and plenty of social injustice, the book manages to not feel too depressing or weighty. There is plenty to admire in the people of Bronford too, as the community comes together to support those in need. There are several memorable characters, and all are believably written.

Summary: An enjoyable, well-written collection that highlights social injustice and humanity in all its forms in equal measure. Well worth a look.

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‘Tales from the Ice Cream Van’ is available from Amazon on Kindle and in paperback, and from several other retailers: Amazon.co.uk: Tales from the Ice Cream Van

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