Review of Underdogs by Louise Powell

For fans of Douglas Stuart’s Shuggie Bain, Scott Preston’s The Borrowed Hills and Shaun Wilson’s Malc’s Boy comes another gritty and heartwrenching novel about forgotten communities, masculinity, and northern soul. Set in 90's County Durham, and written in distinctive North East dialect, Louise Powell tells the tale of the flapping tracks that shaped her childhood. In Underdogs, we follow George, a young lad thrust into an adult world of underground gambling on the tailcoats of his long-term unemployed Dad.

I love stories that explore working class community dynamics, especially those told from the perspective of children. That coupled with the rare theme of greyhound racing made for a very interesting read. Powell’s writing is immersive, authentic and brimming with wit.

Published on 02.07.2026 by John Murray

Reviewed by Abi

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