So I decided to blog about some of the themes in the book. Where to start, though? Well last night that became all too obvious when watching the BBC News.
Police Solidarity.
It's a very big theme in North to South, and one that is looked at from a variety of angles, not all of which are favourable to the boys in blue. Whether that is deserved or not is a matter for debate, but any criticism was put aside for a moment when seeing the coverage of PC Phillips's funeral - the procession being pictured here.
In case you don't know, which means you're not British, PC Dave Phillips was killed recently in the line of duty, hit by a stolen vehicle, deliberately the courts will argue. Perhaps this isn't such an unusual event in some countries, but here in Britain it's a hell of a big deal. It demonstrated the risks that thousands of officers take every day as they serve the British public. And in a show of Police Solidarity for their colleague, thousands from all over the country came to march and show their respect. It was a very powerful image, moving to watch, and I actually felt like a piece of shit for daring to criticise the police in my book.
But I'm not going to withdraw it. That would be daft and totally wrong. It isn't the institution that I point a finger at, rather than certain fictitious individuals who step beyond the line, and that happens everywhere, including the constabulary. Police solidarity is fine in my opinion. In fact, when seeing on the same news broadcast, scenes of mobs attacking the police, it's obvious that solidarity is more than fine - it's essential for them to do their job. But occasionally individuals step over the line, and that is what I point at. I especially hope after watching last nights news and this moving homage to what sounds like a fine man, that I haven't stepped over the line as well and portrayed this theme unfairly.
Jack