The Boyhood of Cain

£9.99

Danny’s family live in a large house close to the school where his father is headmaster. At school, his father’s importance gives Danny certain privileges, but it also sets him apart from his classmates. When a new boy Philip, for whom everything seems easy, arrives, he surprises Danny by wanting to be friends. So when he and Philip are invited to work after school with inspiring, artistic teacher Mr. Miller, Danny believes he has found somewhere he can shine. And then Danny’s world tilts: his father loses his job, and their house. When he finds himself shut out from Mr. Miller and Philip’s world too, his desperation sets him on a course that could lead to the betrayal of all that he loves.

Pre-order

Add to Wishlist?

A new literary star is born.The Times
A beautiful and profound novel about a boy’s coming to consciousness as his family falls apart.‘ Mary Costello
A powerful, searing tale.‘ André Aciman
A terrific queer coming-of-age debut.Guardian

If none of us can be as we want, then what is the point in anything? Danny cannot believe his life should be prescribed for him, written out already.’

In a small rural town trapped between two rivers, Danny is on the cusp of adolescence and eager to find his own place in the world. At home, life is complicated: his father has lost his job and his mother has retreated to her room. His only solace is the arrival of Philip, a new boy in school, whom he worships with a confused intensity. Desperate to prove his own worth, Danny finds himself caught between his mother and father, self and desire, and obedience and rebellion.

Dimensions 19.8 × 12.9 cm
Author

Publisher

Imprint

Cover

Paperback

Pages

256

Language

English

Edition

1st paperback ed

Dewey

823.92 (edition:23)

Readership

General – Trade / Code: K