My Mate Shofiq

by Jan Needle

My Mate Shofiq is a children’s novel that many people think is too tough for mere children to read. It is about the friendship between two Oldham boys which even they, at first, think is unlikely and unnecessary. Bernard, quite frankly, does not like “Pakis,” which seems fair enough to Shofiq – he has much worse things in his life to deal with. They are thrown together when Shofiq attacks a gang who are harassing his younger sisters, and apparently kills one of them. Bernard, a witness, finds himself in the odd position of having to stand up for Shofiq, simply by telling the truth.From this rocky start, they are forced by circumstances to become powerful friends and allies. Not only is the gang determined on revenge, but teachers, social workers and the welfare state are dragged in, too. To the boys it is incomprehensible and frightening. Younger children get involved, and Bernard’s sister Wendy is their only anchor. With the backdrop of an unpleasant Pennine winter, they are sucked into a spiral of violence beyond their control.Although it is an extremely hopeful book, many critics have found its uncompromising frankness about racial hatred and incomprehension too difficult to handle. Although it was runner up for the Guardian Award, Needle was dropped as keynote speaker at a conference on “realism in children’s literature” and the book was banned in many schools. More recently, however, it featured in a Radio 4 programme, and it has been translated into many languages. Many of its strongest defenders have been members of the British Asian community.“Pulls no punches on race issues” – Manchester Evening News“I loved this book; I want all children to read it” – Mohammad Saqib“I would never have a book like this on the Puffin list” – Kaye Webb“A vigorous and sensitive book” – The Sunday Telegraph“In its characterisation, its truth in incident and dialogue, this is a distinctive story” – The Northern Echo

174 pages, Hardcover

First published November 29, 1979

About the author

Jan Needle has written more than forty books, including novels for adults and children and literary criticism. He also writes plays for stage, TV and radio, including serials and series like Grange Hill, The Bill and Brookside. His first novel, Wild Wood, is a retelling of The Wind in the Willows with Toad, Rat, Mole and Co as the ‘villains’ - a sort of undeserving rural squirearchy – and the stoats and weasels as heroes. A new version was brought out recently by Golden Duck, with the original wonderful illustrations by the late Willie Rushton.

Although he is currently working on a film of perhaps his most celebrated children’s book, My Mate Shofiq, Jan has recently been concentrating on historical novels about his first and most enduring love, the sea, and a series of extremely gritty thrillers. His aim has always been to transcend standard genre writing, which has sometimes brought him disapproval. The ‘hero’ of his first naval fiction, A Fine Boy for Killing, is a borderline sadist, and life on the frigate Welfare undermines almost every heroic myth popularized by earlier writers. Loved or hated, his novels refuse to be ignored.

His thrillers are also firmly in the ‘noir’ spectrum. The most recent is The Bonus Boys, which features a hard-as-nails investigator called Andrew Forbes and his Scottish lover Rosanna ‘the Mouse’ Nixon, who first appeared in Kicking Off, a chilling warning about the fissile state of Britain’s crumbling prisons. More are in the pipeline, as are additions to a series of novellas about crime, the 18th century navy, and the secret world of spies and spying. Even the possibility that Napoleon escaped from his exile on St Helena is examined. Like many ‘mere conspiracy theories’ it uncovers some extraordinary possibilities.

Jan also attempts, in conjunction with Walker Books, to widen the readership for certain classic novels. They include so far Moby Dick, Dracula, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Woman in White, all aimed at a young adult audience . In his spare time, he sails boats and plays a variety of musical instruments.

Reviews

[Simon Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book regarding a young Pakistani lad living in Manchester in the late 70's as he experiences racism, prejudice and discrimination. But he also experiences acceptance, friendship and empathy from Bernard Kershaw and others as they battle a local gang and members of Social Services and the housing department.

Gritty, uncompromising (this book would make the snowflakes of today melt!) and edgy, My Mate Shofiq feels like an episode from the earlier episodes of Grange Hill. It's like a very accurate time capsule and doesn't shy away from serious issues but is still entertaining.

Highly recommended.

[Hayley Jones-Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this to read at School, aged about 10 years old. It seemed mind blowing & revolutionary at the time (about 1982). To read something like this after the likes of Enid Blyton & living in a small rural town, opened up a completely different world & outlook. Probably a little dated now and wouldn't be on the schools "allowed list". But it certainly had impact on pre-teen me & I thank Jan Needle for that, this book has remained in my mind close on 40 years on.

[Jonathan Norton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Racism, deprivation and violence amongst kids in late 70s Lancashire. As with "Albeson And The Germans", the ending is still pretty bleak even if we have a few hopes that the lids may grow up to a slightly better world.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is both charming and shocking. The children are portrayed as innocent and naughty at the same time, with flaws and issues and attempts at understanding the world around them. It is a stark criticism of the widespread racism of the 1970s but also unfortunately has resonance with today.
It is written with a strong use of the local dialect and does not shy away from the violence of bullying and the injustice of the system.
Worth a read and should be more read than it apparently is. The cover of this book is plain and unappealing - it certainly needs a makeover.

[Kirsty Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was meant to read this book about 6 weeks ago for university but have just gotten around to it. This is a good YA novel. Written in 3rd person limited the protagonist is torn between societal racial prejudice and his own feelings. Shofiq is a young Pakistani/English boy who attempts to hold his family together. The novel deals with Racism, bullying, gang fighting, death, family and the problems of job losses in the late 1970's. Classic little book.