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No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy

Memoirs of a Working-Class Reader

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No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy

By: Mark Hodkinson
Narrated by: Mark Hodkinson
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About this listen

Mark Hodkinson grew up among the terrace houses of Rochdale in a house with just one book. His dad kept it on top of a wardrobe with other items of great worth - wedding photographs and Mark's National Cycling Proficiency certificate. If Mark wanted to read it, he was warned not to crease the pages or slam shut the covers.

Today, Mark is an author, journalist and publisher. He still lives in Rochdale but is now snugly ensconced (or is that buried?) in a 'book cave' surrounded by 3,500 titles - at the last count. No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy is his story of growing up a working-class lad during the 1970s and 1980s. It's about schools (bad), music (good) and the people (some mad, a few sane) and pre-eminently and profoundly the books and authors (some bad, mostly good) that led the way and shaped his life. It's also about a family who just didn't see the point of reading, and a troubled grandad who, in his own way, taught Mark the power of stories.

In recounting his own life-long love affair with books, Mark also tells the story of how writing and reading has changed over the last five decades, starting with the wave of working-class writers in the 1950s and '60s, where he saw himself reflected in books for the first time.

©2022 Mark Hodkinson (P)2022 Canongate Books Art & Literature Cultural & Regional Journalists, Editors & Publishers

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All stars
Most relevant  
A nice blend of autobiography, social & local history, well written and good have the author’s narration.

An interesting narrative

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In No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy I saw reflected my own experience of growing up in an almost bookless household. Hodkinson's imagery and sparks of comedy make it an enjoyable read, and his Northern, gravelly narration adds to its realism. For example, this description a school rubgy lesson in chapter four:

'...frozen February mornings in flimsy nylon shorts and shirts, shivering, skin turning red, turning blue. Then perhaps towards the end of double maths in the afternoon, you’d feel an unusual sinking sensation in your lower stomach. You’d clutch at your ball bag and find that they had finally returned: one, two.'

His timing and delivery of the 'one, two' in the audiobook is brilliant.

Another example is when Mark describes a visit to his friend's house and perceives the difference to his own:

'The house had a rich, pleasing odour comprised of furniture wax, coffee and pipe smoke. They had an antique wooden clock on the mantelpiece with a loud tick; it was so peaceful in there, the rhythm almost counted me down to sleep.'

These are just two examples of the many great scenes from this evocative memoir, redolent of late 20th century Northern England, but with an appeal that transcends it. I'll be keeping an eye out for anything else written by Mark in the future.

Great memoir - read it now!

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I must admit, I was a little anxious when I bought this audio book, I wasn't sure how it would work out. However I soon found myself enjoying Marks narrative of his life waymarked through books. I am sure it is because as a working class boy of Irish immigrant parents in London, I found books to be the greatest of comforts in my early life, having said that, both my Dad and Mum were avid readers, despite having left school well before they reached their full potential, and my Mum had taught me to read before I attended primary school. So I did not experience the bemused incredulity Mark found from his family. I found Mark's story interesting, and I identified with his heartfelt sentiment towards the joy derived from reading. I do feel however that the "Grandad" theme was slightly overdone, and it seemed like another narrative tacked on to the main one, and I must admit I was more often than not rather relieved when those short segments ended. On the whole a very enjoyable experience, it may not suit every one, but I was happy with it. I feel the writer has left some great recommendations which I might eventually look into myself.

Authentic voice of a Lover of Books

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There are 132 million books published in modern history and so you need to be careful about your choices. This autopsy of why, how, and when we read is a welcome addition to any shelf, though be careful to avoid 'bable' (book accumulation beyond life expectancy) or as the author's mother puts it more bluntly, 'you won't read them all.' To attempt to squeeze more stories into my alloted time, I listened to this memoir of a working class reader while doing house chores, so I understand and embrace the author's love for stories. Hodkinson would go on to create his own publishing house, Pomona, and shares his frustrations of getting work he values into the public domain as well as his own struggles to get published. Fortunately, he was successful, and I look forward to reading his latest, 'Opening the Gates of Hell,' which was published this month

There's more to life than books, but not much more...

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I am glad that Mark Hodkinson has written this book. There are too few books written about growing up as a working-class person. Many of his childhood experiences sounded like myself 10 years earlier. I also agree with his thoughts on 'poets' and the literary establishment, thanks Mark for your courage to speak truth about these things. I learned a lot. I am just about to listen to the book again, I rarely do this, but I enjoyed the book so much.

A really good book, thoroughly recommended.

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His explanation of books he has read and their origins help to illuminate the culture of north England

Empathy shown by author toward others in the telling of his story

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Having grown up in a working-class home close to Rochdale at around the same time as Mark Hodkinson, I was particularly intrigued by this book, and it didn't disappoint. At times poignant and humorous, while always remaining thought provoking, this book gave a sharply-observed view of its setting. By no means did I find myself always in agreement with Mark Hodkinson's opinions - Jane Austen IS magnificent - but I was always interested in his views.

A Paean to Reading

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I thoroughly enjoyed Hodkinson’s story of his northern working class upbringing and subsequent career as an independent book publisher and writer which was read by the author on audible.

A self confessed bibliophile, Mark writes wonderfully about the books that captivated and elevated him from humdrum surroundings making this reader want to re-read and explore those works. It’s partly polemical too with searing, vital sections on educational inequality, the publishing industry and our attitudes to mental health. A key strand throughout is the personal and familial relationships with his grandfather who has severe problems with his mental health.

This is no misery memoir however, there are many memorable, very funny passages and separate narrative about Mark’s lifelong involvement in music.

We’re of a similar age and background so I connected with this book very strongly. I recommend it highly.



Compelling memoir of a successful autodidact

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Great to hear a non-BBC voice.

He makes so many excellent points not just about books and music.

I took a punt on this book and it certainly paid off.

Really connected with this book.

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