A Crafty Cigarette – Tales Of A Teenage Mod Matteo Sedazzari [Old Dog books]

ISBN 978-0-9934309-0-9

Fictional story set in suburbia on the outskirts of London in the late 70s. A rites of passage tale that follows a UK born Italian youngster as he discovers music, fashion and the female of the species. He gets caught up in scrapes, skirmishes and situations at school, while he’s out and about and right on his own doorstep. Many of which anyone who was a similar age during that period can empathise with from their own teenage years. He discovers music via The Jam album All Mod Cons, joining the ranks of revival era Mods which becomes a major part of his life. Notable incidents among the many include a punch-up with a minder wannabe type character, run ins with the local skinheads and an excursion that results in kidnapping Bruce Foxton’s bass guitar! It’s written in first person narrative, in a style and delivery reminiscent of Hunter S Thompson, with a distinctly Anglicised twist. Although fictional, its obvious that a lot of the content in Matteo’s book is drawn from his personal experiences. Capturing the era well, it’s a decent pulp fiction read, with a healthy dose of laddish humour.