1984. Girlo Wolf is born into a world of pickets and poverty. Life on The Rock is precious, but growing up is far from easy. Struggling with her mental health and the backlash of childhood trauma, she falls into a dark underworld of sex, drugs and alcohol. Driven by the stories of home, Girlo finds freedom in writing and strives to become a poet, discovering that her words are a vehicle to recovery and survivorhood.
A gut-punching tribute to the reality of life in post-industrial Britain, Gemma June Howell's debut novel is an authentic portrayal of the intergenerational struggles of working-class communities and one woman's journey to empowerment.
"A testament to the joy and redemption of breaking the rules and breaking the mould." - Rachel Trezise
"An omnivorous mind." - Niall Griffiths
"Fierce, furious and heartfelt, Howell's The Crazy Truth explodes from the page..." - Carly Holmes