A stunning debut novel following a teenage boy as he comes of age on the west coast of Ireland, from the author of the acclaimed story collection Pure Gold. Seventeen-year-old John Masterson has no idea what he wants. It’s his last summer on the small island where he has grown up and he should be enjoying the weeks until his exam results come through.

Instead, he’s working mind-numbing shifts at the local hotel and trying to keep his head down after his mother’s nude sext to another man was leaked to the whole island. As John joins the local senior football team, gets caught up in fights and parties, and embarks on a tentative relationship with his slightly older co-worker Amber that he feels both proud and ashamed of, he can almost pretend that this summer will last forever. But soon John must face up to the choices before him: to stay or leave, to stand out or fit in, and whether to love and let himself be loved, despite or perhaps because of, the flaws that make us all human.

'Brilliantly written; as evocative as it is funny. One of the most exciting writers working in Ireland today’ SALLY ROONEY

'One of my favourite books of the year’ JULIA ARMFIELD

‘A funny and frank coming-of age-drama' OBSERVER

'Gorgeous … a writer of immense talent' MICHAEL MAGEE

‘Growing up isn’t all fun and games’ SERVICE95

'Think: the male version of Sally Rooney' VOGUE