In the shadow of a looming world war, A Peal of Socialism unfolds in the bustling streets of 1930s London, a city at the heart of an empire on the brink of upheaval. This compelling historical fiction novel weaves the intricate lives of five young souls, each drawn to the capital by dreams of change and the rumblings of a new social order. As the spectre of conflict draws closer, these individuals – bound by their convictions and entangled in a web of love, loyalty, and betrayal – find themselves questioning the very essence of the war that encroaches upon their lives. Amidst the clamour for republicanism, the fervent debates of socialism, and the harsh realities of trade unionism, they are thrust into a world where their principles are tested against the backdrop of personal tragedy and collective hope. Brigid, a spirited young woman from west Cork, arrives in London with a heart full of aspirations and a resolve as steadfast as the land she leaves behind. Her journey intertwines with Billy, a dreamer caught between the echoes of his past and the tumultuous path that lies ahead. Together with their companions, they navigate the complexities of love, the pain of betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of their ideals.
Graham grew up in Darlington and has lived in Nottingham, Leeds, and London. He has worked as a factory operative, hospital porter, schoolteacher, special educational needs strategist and trade union caseworker. He served as a Labour councillor for eight years in Brent and has written extensively on politics in various socialist journals. Graham has four adult children and three grandsons. He lives with his partner Joanna in Cricklewood.