There is much more to Bruise living beneath the surface of the novel, simmering with quiet introspection — and with anger — when a man returns to confront his past, uncertain whether to hug it or attempt to destroy it, all while he tries to make sense of it. But underneath it all, it’s much more tender. Trying to come to terms with his mixed feelings for his abusive late father, Jim Stuart is haunted by the past that lingers in his old hometown. While he adjusts to the realisation of the end of his boxing career, Jim comes to realise that he might have been set adrift from the truth for longer than he knew. This is a novel of loneliness, bruised male ego, dysfunctional families, and missed opportunities; a cold, bleak shore next to a wild sea — perfect for fans of Willy Vlautin and John Steinbeck.