This piece will of necessity be something of a ‘pre-review’ of Danny Lockwood’s book, for I have not yet bought a copy. Nonetheless, it struck me as worthy of comment, for a publication with such a title does speak a certain uncomfortable truth about what has happened to sections of this West Riding town. It also appears quite surprising that a journalist of some 34 years has chosen to write something that many members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) most certainly wouldn’t approve of. Perhaps Lockwood is not a member?
Given the recent history of the town and numerous attacks upon members of its non-Muslim population by Muslims, this was a book that needed to be written. After all, it is as the Daily Mail noted, one of a handful of places in Britain where Islamists have considered setting up shariah-governed statelets. In all likelihood, it is the case that such a reality pertains in the predominantly Deobandi enclave today.
If you have already read the book, I would welcome your comments upon its content. The local paper for which Lockwood works promotes his book as follows:
This no holds barred account of what has happened to a town and its people begins on Saturday June 24th 1989, when the Muslim community rioted – and, he asserts, life in Dewsbury changed forever.
“The usual suspects will portray this as an attack on an ethnic minority,” says the author.
“They always do. But such as this is a finger pointing exercise, it is aimed at the massed ranks of political and public sector bodies who have failed all communities in this town. Crime, religious separatism and social decay have thrived because no one in authority has the guts to tackle issues that hide behind the ‘race’ card.”
Buy Now - £14.95 (Inc p&p. UK only)Pay by Debit/Credit Card or PayPalRing to order your copy – 01924 439498
or e-mail sales@thepressnews.co.uk
I am currently reading it, mindful that Tablight Jamaiat (I don't want to have to write their name sufficiently often that I do eventually learn how to spell it) want to move their HQ from Dewsbury to West Ham.
ReplyDeleteSo far it explains a lot, and I can see some parallels with Tower Hamlets.
I have now read the book and recommend it
ReplyDeletehttp://www.newenglishreview.org/custpage.cfm/frm/113331/sec_id/113331
Thanks for the link. I'll take a look.
DeleteThis is an important book, written from the front line of social and economic disintegration. It chronicles the death of a town and offers a glimpse of a horrid and wretched future that surely awaits swathes of England. This is essential and disturbing, sadly I doubt any of our politicians and law makers will be reading.
ReplyDeleteWell, I've seen Dewsbury at first hand, but I've not spent much time there. It's not a place where I'd care to set up home. This could be something to read over my summer holiday.
Delete