Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Genre: Television History, Soap Opera, Biography, Pop Culture

Book Review:
For two decades, from its explosive debut in 1982 to its finale in 2003, Brookside was more than just a soap opera; it was a cultural phenomenon. It tackled controversial issues no one else would touch, launched the careers of countless actors, and became a beloved part of millions of lives. Graham Kibble-White's ''Twenty Years of Brookside'' is a loving and comprehensive tribute to that legacy, a must-read for any fan.

The book is structured as a journey through the Close, house by house. This ingenious approach allows Kibble-White to trace the major storylines and character arcs that defined each family's time on the show. You relive the Grants' battles with the Corkhills, the Jordache sisters' fight for freedom, the siege that gripped the nation, and the bizarre cult that moved into number seven. It's a wonderful way to organize the show's dense and complex history.

But the book is not just a summary of plots. It goes behind the scenes, exploring the public and press reactions to Brookside's most daring storylines. It tells the story of the ''Free George Jackson'' and ''Free the Jordache Two'' campaigns, when soap opera spilled over into real life. It includes biographies of the actors and creators, and behind-the-scenes recollections from the sets of the most memorable moments.

The level of detail is impressive. The exhaustive appendix is a treasure trove for fans, with complete lists of residents, character biographies, births, deaths, marriages, and a wealth of trivia. You could spend hours just browsing the appendix, rediscovering old favorites and settling long-running debates.

''Twenty Years of Brookside'' is a fitting tribute to a show that changed British television. It's well-written, well-researched, and packed with love for its subject. If you ever watched Brookside, this book will bring back a flood of memories. If you're a student of television history, it's an invaluable resource. Highly recommended.