Author Bio
Adelle Stripe was born in York, UK, in 1976 and lives in Calderdale, West Yorkshire.
Her writing is rooted in the nonfiction novel form and explores working-class culture, untold histories of Northern England, popular music, and smalltown life.
Adelle's debut novel, Black Teeth and a Brilliant Smile, was based on the life and work of Bradford playwright Andrea Dunbar. Described by David Peace as ‘one of the great debut novels of the century,' Black Teeth was shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize and Portico Prize for Literature. It was an Observer book of the year. A new edition is forthcoming on Virago Press.
Her second book, Ten Thousand Apologies: Fat White Family and the Miracle of Failure, was shortlisted for the Penderyn Music Book Prize. Co-written with lead singer Lias Saoudi, the biography charts the rise, fall and eventual salvage of one of the UK’s most controversial bands. It was a Rough Trade book of the year and a Sunday Times bestseller.
Three of her poetry chapbooks were published by Blackheath Books from 2007-2012. The Humber Star, a poem based on the experiences of her seafaring ancestors in 19th century Hessle Road, was performed live at John Grant's North Atlantic Flux for Hull City of Culture. In 2023, she recorded a New Postscripts audio essay based on J.B. Priestley’s classic wartime broadcasts as part of the BBC's centenary celebrations.
As a journalist, Adelle has contributed to The Quietus, Yorkshire Post, Times Literary Supplement, Record Collector, and New Statesman. She has received writing commissions from the British Film Institute, Manchester Literature Festival, Leeds West Indian Carnival and many more.
Adelle holds a BA, MA and PhD by Research in Modern British History and Creative Writing. As a lecturer, she has tutored at York St. John, Manchester Metropolitan University and Leeds Trinity. She is a Burgess Fellow at the University of Manchester and an editorial board member at British Pop Archive Books.
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Base Notes: The Scents of a Life, her forthcoming memoir, is due for publication by White Rabbit / Orion in February 2025.
