Sean is a twenty something young man trying to survive in Belfast. First of his family to go to university he was meant to leave and never come back however he does. He makes his way in a dingy apartment not paying rent, working odd jobs in nightclubs and spending most of his pay on self-destructive nights out with his friends. This abruptly changes one night as he loses control and fights a stranger at a party beginning the metamorphosis of change as Sean confronts himself and the relationships that made him the person he is. Magee has created an empathetic and intelligent piece of fiction, focusing on traversing masculinity and class divides still present in today’s society. This is a must read.

This just stopped me in my tracks!!!! Wow wow wow what an incredible debut! I’m in awe of what I have just read, it was tender, raw , honest and just so beautifully written. This tells the story of a young man called Sean who has moved back to Belfast after completing his degree in English Literature. Jobs are far and few between, his brother is drinking more and battling his own life traumas, His friends still want to party hard 24/7 and his degree seems a bit pointless at this moment. One night he assaults a man at a party and this book documents the aftermath of this event. This is an honest portrait of the life of the young working class and one man’s journey on working out who he is and how to better his life. This just felt so close to home for me to read (I see what I did there, accidental) and was just a really incredible insightful and hopeful read. A review said that this book does for Belfast what Shuggie Bain did for Glasgow and I can’t help but agree, which I think is no small feat. This book is going to end up on so many favourites of 2023 lists and I honestly don’t see how it couldn’t end up on mine!

Magee manages to give a voice to the experience of many working class males who seek to change their destiny but find that ingrained oppression can make the journey to a better existence a constant battle. A well written and honest account of how family, friends, aspiration and class can collide in chaos. Well observed and belivable characters having at times heartbreaking but genuine experiences. The backdrop of living in modern Ireland where the impact of the troubles still permeates through everyone's everyday experiences is beautifully observed. A book that deserves every success.

A powerful debut that explores class, masculinity, family, addiction and the lingering impact of The Troubles on everyday life and relationships in Ireland. Michael Magee is a fresh and compelling new voice in Irish fiction and definitely one to look out for.

A beautiful story exploring masculinity, trauma, purpose and identity. Sean’s character, being lost in himself, wondering who he really is and how he fits into the world, will strike home in more men in their early 20s than a lot may realise.