Terry Deary discusses new crime novel while critiquing football nationalism
Horrible Histories author Terry Deary, known for his irreverent takes on history, recently released a new book centered on football, but he remains critical of nationalistic claims associated with the sport. “Football coming home – that is a little bit arrogant. I’m sorry,” he remarked from his farmhouse in County Durham, reports BritPanorama.
Deary contended that football belongs to the world, stating, “It’s ‘football isn’t coming home’. Just because we invented cricket doesn’t mean we have a right to beat the Commonwealth teams.” He underscored that Britain should not take sole credit for the global game, indicating that its roots and appeal are much broader than national pride.
His latest publication, Horrible Histories: Football, adds to a successful career that has seen Deary sell over 35 million books. Despite the light-hearted nature of his children’s history guides, he has recently channeled his energies into writing crime fiction, a genre he has embraced later in life. His second novel, Actually, I’m A Corpse, is set in 1973 and narrates the story of misfits entangled in the aftermath of a terrorist bombing.
At 80, Deary remains engaged with contemporary issues, particularly the depiction of women in his works. In both of his recent crime novels, he features Aline James, a policewoman who navigates the misogyny of her time. Deary expressed his concern over ongoing gender-related aggression, stating, “I’m sickened and disgusted by the male aggression towards women… Aline is very much a strong woman, and she is suffering.”
His characters also reflect varying social perspectives, including a hitman who expresses support for the monarchy, contrasting with Deary’s well-known criticisms of British royals as historically “stupid or cruel.” He pointedly declared that accepting honours associated with the British Empire would leave him feeling “deeply embarrassed and ashamed.”
Through his writing, Deary has encouraged examination of Britain’s imperial history, often facing backlash from those who defend the Empire’s legacy. He elaborated that historical narratives often exclude the perspectives of the marginalized, leading to critical omissions in documented history. This commitment to revealing complex truths continues to inform his work.
Deary’s latest works may position him as an inadvertent trendsetter, as interest in history has surged, evident in the popularity of podcasts exploring historical themes. While he may not listen to these programs himself, he acknowledges that they echo his insistence on a more nuanced view of historical narratives.
Actually, I’m A Corpse, by Terry Deary, is published by Constable at £22.
