Rough Edges

'This is essential reading for anyone who loves this country's seasides' — Fiona Robertson, author of Stone Lands

'A powerful synthesis of perspective and self-determination' — Irish Times

'Natasha Carthew writes with an insight and an acuity of vision that few can match' — Sally Huband, author of Sea Bean

'Fascinating ... affecting ... illuminating ... [Carthew] has genuinely interesting things to say' — The Sunday Times

Beyond the picture postcards, Britain's coastal communities are suffering. Crowds flood the beaches during summer heatwaves but they quickly vanish again, leaving behind drifts of rubbish and unstable seasonal jobs. Seaside property is in high demand but affordable only for landlords and gentrifiers. The cost-of-living crisis and the ongoing pains of austerity trap those at the vulnerable edges of our nation in poverty.

Having grown up in rural Cornwall, Natasha Carthew leaves the county in search of a new home. Travelling the country and exploring the villages, towns and cities of our coast, she meets the people fighting to keep these places alive. With fierce compassion, she shares their voices and their stories.

Rough Edges is a rallying cry for the beauty and importance of our coast and its people.

'Bracing, insightful and compassionate, the book shines a light on communities too often unseen and unheard' — Jini Reddy, author of Wanderland

'A forceful but compassionate polemic, delivered with Carthew's trademark robustly lyrical prose style' — Tim Hannigan, author of The Granite Kingdom