Heatwave: The Summer of 1976 – Britain at Boiling Point is the best non-fiction I think I have ever read! It has had me gripped in the same way as only my favourite novels have ever done before. Written by John L. Williams (who was aged fifteen in 1976) in an engaging, succinct style, Heatwave explores the social, political and cultural climate in Britain throughout the legendary hot summer of 1976.
Although I can’t actually remember the summer of 1976 as I was a baby, many people do remember that time. The boiling hot months of that year have also often been referred to in the media over the years. But it is only now, through this tapestry of engaging news stories, personal accounts, music, TV shows, and so much more, including the weather, that I feel I have got more of an understanding of the social and political climate of Britain during that time.
As well as being touching and funny at times – and absolutely fascinating – included in the narrative are shocking accounts of inequality, violence, misogyny, homophobia, racism and even death. This truly is an immersive and powerful read.
Separated into four main sections covering May, June, July and August, with each month further divided into chapters. These include a chapter on the weather for that specific month, as well as a chapter focusing on each month’s headlines. Each month also includes key moments in history that occurred in that specific month. For example, there is a whole chapter dedicated to the employees of the Trico Factory, mainly women who fought for equal pay. Shocked and disgusted at the blatant discrimination and misogynistic inequality these women faced, as well as the racism their male Black co-workers who supported them faced, this chapter gripped me. I’m in awe of all the staff that participated in the strike – their courage, determination and solidarity is truly inspiring.
There is so much I have learnt from reading Heatwave including how two women from the opposing sides of the Northern Ireland Troubles joined forces ‘to campaign across the sectarian lines for an end to the killings‘. This was following both women being personally impacted by the horrific death of three young children and their mother being left in a coma. Mairead Corrigan and Betty Williams soon became known as ‘the Peace Women’, and with their efforts helping to reduce the mindless killings in future years, they were nominated for and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977.
As I am sure you can tell, I am a big fan of Heatwave and raced through it. My only criticism is that near the end there is reference to someone that is ‘wheelchair-bound‘. Being involved in disability rights for over twenty years, I am very aware that this not language we use nowadays as it is outdated and insensitive. Rather the term to use is wheelchair user. Hence I am surprised and disappointed that this was not picked up in the editing.
Thank you to Anne Cater from Random Things Tours for inviting me to the blog tour of Heatwave: The Summer of 1976 – Britain at Boiling Point, which was published by Monoray / Octopus Books on 8 May 2025. To follow the blog tour, please see below:
