The Charlton Men

‘The Charlton Men’, the first part of a trilogy set in South London, combines literary fiction with a love of football. Set in the historic surrounds of Greenwich and Charlton, the novel interweaves the rich heritage of the area’s past with contemporary themes of social disenfranchisement and a search for meaning.

Set in the aftermath of the 2011 London riots, the story follows two “Charlton Men” as their lives become intertwined with the fortunes of their local football club. Lance, a Londoner, has followed Charlton his whole life – from childhood right up until his return from Afghanistan, scarred by war and feeling abandoned after the sacrifices he has made for his country. Fergus, an Irishman, comes to London to get a fresh start on life and finds himself falling in love not once, but twice – first with the club and the riots, and second with a mysterious Marilyn Monroe lookalike whose darker side ripples beneath the surface. Conflict arises, however, when his friend Lance falls for the same woman and the two men find themselves pitted against one another as competitors for her affection.

Paul Breen is a resident of Charlton and currently a manager in a university. ‘The Charlton Men’ is his first book.