Book Club: The Gallopers
Jon Ransom immerses us in male desire in the aftermath of the North Sea flood.
Published in 2024, The Gallopers is the second novel from Jon Ransom.
The story is set in Norfolk in the aftermath of the North Sea flood of 1953, centring male desire amidst a discordant world.
What's it about?
The main character is Eli. He's 19 years old and lives with his aunt, Dreama. Their lives were turned upside down when Eli's mother was lost in the flood but Eli and Dreama are outsiders within the local community.
The arrival of Jimmy Smart - who turns the gallopers at the travelling fair - brings further turmoil for Eli, and he secrets of the flood slowly emerge to the surface.
While the story can be enjoyed devoid of any context, it's possibly helpful to read up on the North Sea flood of 1953. On the night of 31 January, 1953, a major storm caused a huge sea surge that overwhelmed the sea defences of Scotland, England, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It was the combination of a high Spring tide and strong winds that saw flooding of up to 5.6m above sea level. Over 2,500 people were killed by the floor across the impacted areas. In the UK, over 300 people were killed on land, and over 200 people were killed at sea.
Eli lives in a small village in Norfolk. The syntax used by Ransom is intended to reflect the accent and way of speaking of the people of that time and place - almost a reticence to express anything about how they're feeling.
What themes does the novel explore?
Grief and resilience are the central themes, as the characters each navigate these in their own ways.
Male desire and sexual need is embraced and explored - acknowledging the irresistible power it exerts over us.
The complexity of masculinity is also highlighted.
The novel also highlights the challenges of this time and place for queer men - homosexuality was still criminalised in the UK at the time that this novel is set.
Why is this an important novel for gay men?
The Gallopers is a distinctive novel that gives us gay characters in a time and place in which we don't normally get to experience them.
The way that sexual encounters are described and male desire is conveyed is particularly effective and will resonate with queer readers.
This is a readable story that draws you in to a mysterious, emotionally taut and intriguing world.
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