Our books: stories from the heart of the Potteries
Potteries Press primarily publishes stories shaped by the landscapes, heritage, and lived history of Stoke-on-Trent. Our books are rooted in place, rich with atmosphere and crafted with an independent spirit that honours the communities and memories that inspire them. Discover fiction that feels like home.
Under Elm Forest
A new novel coming 29th October:
From the smoky industrial heartland of England to the scorching battlefields of Africa and Asia, Under Elm Forest is an epic saga of family, resilience, and the enduring human spirit amidst the crucible of war.
In 1930, William Kelly, a former Liverpool dockworker and now a fairground boxer, finds himself in the soot-stained towns of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme. His past is a tapestry of unexpected journeys, from being shanghaied to New Orleans to finding solace in an unlikely community. As he navigates the harsh realities of pre-war Britain, he discovers the hidden histories of the land and the quiet strength of its people.
But as the world plunges into the chaos of World War II, the fate of the Kelly family becomes inextricably linked with the global conflict. William's brother-in-law Jim Lawton, answers the call to arms, embarking on a perilous odyssey through the East African Campaign and the deserts of Egypt and North Africa. He fights alongside comrades, witnesses the brutality of combat, and finds fleeting moments of wonder amidst ancient wonders.
Back home, the remaining family, including young Owen and the spirited 'Broad Street Gang,' confront the relentless terror of the Blitz, the gnawing hunger of rationing, and the constant fear for their loved ones abroad. Their daily lives are a testament to the unwavering courage and community spirit that defined a nation at war.
As the war draws to a close, triumph is tempered by tragedy. William faces the horrors of jungle warfare in Burma, while Jim returns home, his body and spirit scarred by the conflict. Yet, even in the face of loss and heartbreak, the echoes of their sacrifices resonate through generations. A poignant discovery years later at the Great Sphinx in Egypt reveals a legacy that transcends time, ensuring that the memory of a forgotten hero, and the enduring spirit of the 'Elm Forest,' will never fade.
Brendan Nugent masterfully brings to life a pivotal era, crafting a powerful narrative that explores the profound impact of war on ordinary lives, the unbreakable bonds of family, and the enduring quest for remembrance.
Rooted in place: a unique literary journey
The most exciting thing about the stories published by Potteries Press is their deep connection to place. Each book is shaped by the landscapes, heritage and lived history of Stoke-on-Trent, offering readers immersive, atmospheric fiction rooted in real communities and shared memories. These are stories where setting becomes character, history becomes heartbeat, and local identity drives the narrative forward.
Spotlight on Brendan Nugent and "Under Elm Forest"
Potteries Press proudly showcases the work of local author Brendan Nugent, whose fiction is deeply rooted in the landscapes, heritage and social history of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme. Our upcoming release, Under Elm Forest, is a World War 2 social-history novel that explores the lives, memories and communities of the area during a time of profound change. As the imprint's flagship title, it reflects our commitment to storytelling shaped by place, identity and shared local history.
Explore our collection
From gripping science fiction set against the backdrop of industrial landscapes to poignant contemporary tales that capture the essence of local life, our diverse range of books offers something for every reader. Each publication is carefully curated to deliver distinctive, character-driven fiction with a strong sense of place, upholding our mission to champion independent voices from the Potteries.
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