Hermit

‘An utter triumph . . . Far and away the best debut novel I’ve read in a very long time’ JOHN NIVEN, author of O BROTHER

‘A grimly addictive, empathetic novel. Hermit is a visceral examination of the misogynistic rot permeating the minds of young men and putting women at risk. A dreadful – but masterful – read’ ALICE SLATER, author of DEATH OF A BOOKSELLER

‘A story of shame, transgression and the distances we will travel in order to feel less alone. I was so moved’ ANNIE MACMANUS, author of MOTHER MOTHER

‘As compelling as doom scrolling’ THE HERALD MAGAZINE

‘Arguably the most eagerly-awaited novel of the year. McQueer writes with humour and an insight into human nature which is striking.’ SNACK MAGAZINE

‘HERMIT is brave, bold and ambitious’ SUNDAY POST

Since dropping out of school three years ago with no qualifications, no pals, and no ambition, Jamie Skelton spends most of his days asleep and most of his nights playing video games with his online friend, Lee. He hasn’t left the house in months, and now he’s not sure he can.

Fiona, Jamie’s maw, is trying her best, but since finding the courage to kick out her abusive husband her confidence has never recovered. She knows their lives can’t carry on like this, but she’s at a loss to know how to change things.

But Jamie thinks he’s discovered an answer to his problems. A community who understands him. They’re called incels.

The more Fiona tries to reach Jamie, the further away he seems to get. And when a chance arises for Jamie to go to London and meet his new friends, Fiona must find a way to reconnect with her son before he is lost for ever.

Praise for Chris McQueer:

‘Charlie Brooker on Buckfast’ Martin Compston, Line of Duty

‘[McQueer’s] talent zings off the page’ Guardian

‘Impressive’ Eric Idle, Monty Python

Author Biography

Chris McQueer is the acclaimed author of the short story collections Hings and HWFG. Stories from Hings were adapted for TV by Chris and shown on BBC Scotland, and he’s presented the documentaries Noteworthy with Chris McQueer and Let’s Talk About the English, and has also appeared on A View From the Terrace and Damian Barr’s Big Scottish Book Club. He won the award for Outstanding Literature at the Herald Scottish Culture Awards 2019 and has had two plays staged. He has delivered workshops in youth clubs, for secondary school pupils, prison inmates, adult learners, and HNC/HND level students. He lives just outside Glasgow. Hermit is his first novel.