World Book Day 2024: 8 stories with Nottingham links that we think you ought to read

Nottingham is a city with many impressive literary links from D.H. Lawrence to Lord Byron.

In 2015, Nottingham was named a UNESCO City of Literature on account of its heritage, diverse writing community, and commitment to improving literacy across the city.

So to celebrate World Book Day 2024, we have compiled a list of some famous stories that have surprising (and often little-known) links to Nottingham.

While not all of them are set here, many of the authors are thought to have been inspired by their time spent in our city.

1. Darkness, Darkness by John Harvey

The final novel featuring John Harvey’s protagonist Nottingham copper Charlie Resnick.

The grim discovery of a woman’s body, missing for 30 years, forces Detective Inspector Resnick out of retirement and propels him back onto the frontline of the city where he's thwarted criminals for decades.

2. The Green Leaves of Nottingham by Pat McGrath

This little-known short novel was written by a 14-year-old Pat McGrath in the 70s.

The impressive piece of fiction follows the life of a 17-year-old Nottingham lad who gets involved with organised crime after being released from Borstal.

3. If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things by Jon McGregor

Jon McGregor, an award-winning author, is originally from Bermuda but moved to Nottingham after completing a degree in Technology and Production at Bradford University.

According to Wikipedia he wrote his debut novel "If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things" while living on a narrowboat in Nottingham.

The novel captures the events of a single day on a street in a small English town. His writing often reflects a deep sense of place and atmosphere.

4. The White Peacock by D.H. Lawrence

D.H. Lawrence, one of the most famous literary figures associated with Nottingham, wrote "The White Peacock".

The novel is set in the Eastwood area of Nottingham and is narrated by a character called Cyril Beardsall, whose sister Laetitia (Lettie) is involved in a love triangle with two young men.

5. Saturday Night and Sunday Morning by Alan Sillitoe

Alan Sillitoe was a Nottingham-born author, and "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning" is one of his best-known works.

The novel is set in Nottingham and portrays the life of a young factory worker named Arthur Seaton.

6. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

J.M. Barrie started his lucrative career here in Nottingham by working as a reporter for the Daily Journal.

It is thought Nottingham Arboretum provided the inspiration for Peter Pan's Neverland.

7. The Killing Jar by Nicola Monaghan

The Killing Jar is the debut novel of Nicola Monaghan, published in March 2006.

It tells the story of Kerrie Ann Hill, a young girl growing up on a drug-ridden housing estate in Nottingham.

Kerrie Ann meets an elderly neighbour who teaches Kerrie about life, death, the Amazon rainforest, and the miniature world of insects.

8. Spare Brides by Adele Parks

Adele Parks is a bestselling author from Nottingham, and "Spare Brides" is one of her historical novels set in the aftermath of World War I.

While not exclusively based in Nottingham, Parks' roots in the city are reflected in her work.