Description

Tenderness itself, a song to love and friendship.’ Andrew O’Hagan
‘Stunning. Hopeful, heartbreaking and ultimately joyful.’ Simon James Green
‘As if you are reading your own heart written upon the page.’ Non Pratt

Two boys can’t remember the last time they had a hug.

Meet Finlay. He’s studying for his nursing degree at Glasgow University, against all the odds. But coming straight from care means he has no support network.
How can he write essays, find paid work and NOT fall for the beautiful boy at uni, when he’s struggling to even feed himself?

Meet Banjo. He’s trying to settle in with his new foster family and finish high school. But he can’t forget all that has happened, and his anger and fear keep boiling over.
How can he hold on to the one good person in his life, when his outbursts keep threatening his already uncertain future?

Can Finlay and Banjo let go of the past before it drags them under?

Reader Reviews:
Outstanding! This book I couldn’t put down took on holiday omg wasn’t what I expected but what a read must recommend totally.

This is a stunning debut novel that is so tender, so beautifully crafted with such a strong story that I’m still thinking about it a week later! The boys absolutely pop off the page and I was rooting for both of them to survive and thrive and was willing all those around them to see their true potential to love. As a teacher, as a mum of a teenage boy, as a Glaswegian and ex Glasgow Uni student I found something to think about, cry about and smile about. An absolute must read, it’ll be the best hours you spend in another wee world.

This was an emotional and heart wrenching story. I really enjoyed it and loved the characters of Finlay and Banjo. I also loved that it was set in Glasgow and that Banjo spoke in a broad Glaswegian accent as far as the writing went. As a Scottish person who had lived in the south for many years, the title of the book was what attracted me to it.