A TIMES and INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
WINNER OF THE IRISH NOVEL PRIZE
NOMINATED FOR THE COSTA FIRST NOVEL AWARD 2016
NOMINATED FOR THE DESMOND ELLIOTT PRIZE
LONG LISTS FOR THE GLASS BELL AWARD
It's 1981, an era of unrest and royal weddings. Everyone's watching The Dukes of Hazzard on television, and Curly Wurlys are everywhere. Amidst this chaos, nine-year-old Leon is trying to find his feet. He and his younger brother, Jake, have found refuge with Maureen. They've lost their home, but have they found a new one?
Maureen cares for them both. She has wild red hair and sometimes whispers silent curses as if the children don't hear her. She claims everything will be okay. But will Leon and Jake ever see their mother again? Who are these people secretly visiting Jake?
Amidst the street violence and neighborhood parties, Leon must find a way to reunite his family.
Incredibly funny. A balance between rawness and a good feeling. - Observer
'Vibrant and touching - a very powerful book' - Emma Healey, bestselling author of Elizabeth is Missing
'Authentic and beautiful, urgent and honest, this novel will open your heart' - Chris Cleave, bestselling author of The Other Hand