Simon Crump is one of my very favourite authors ever. Dan Rhodes, Magnus Mills, Nicola Barker fans will probably LOVE this.

When I heard there was "a new Crump" coming out I immediately got in touch with Bluemoose, the publishers and asked if we could have signed copies. And we can!

After being made redundant from his job as a university lecturer, Simon takes a job as a minimum wage cleaner during Covid in an electronic factory in Hebden Bridge. This is an account of his journey, his demons and his redemption. There are dark moments and a happy ending. There is also a frozen woodpecker and a meeting with Jesus in a Halifax DIY store.

Elsa is the team supervisor and CHG and Charlie are early morning cleaners on the same pay grade as Simon but with much more experience than him. Elsa has a very dry Yorkshire sense of humour. Charlie swears a great deal. CHG, is a goth, is extremely well read, and is looking for a man. And they all accept awkward autistic Simon for what he is without a moment’s hesitation.

Simon does not do quiet subjugation. Simon talks too much and uses fancy words. Simon doesn’t fit their perceived stereotype of what a cleaner should be. And then there is Mandy. Mandy is the one who leaves the Post-it notes.

Post-it Notes From Underground is about our search for identity in a society where identity is primarily defined by our jobs. Our jobs, which in fact have nothing to do with our inner lives and everything to do with making ends meet and putting food on the table. It is also about how working people are perceived by others. Above all, though, it’s story of hope and comradeship.