Early on this novel, the author mentions Radiohead and their iconic song Creep which more or less sets off the melancholic mood of our protagonist. He prefers to be anonymous in the crowd and gets annoyed by the predestined path of his own life envisioned by his parents. He is smart enough to excel at school but not smarter to outshine himself in front of his peers.

Aaron is a fifteen year old boy surviving his teenage years in a nondescript school while living with his parents in a middle class neighbourhood of Dublin. Nothing significant has happened in his life so far and he has failed to make any real connections with other people except perhaps Niamh, his colleague from his part time job. But this all changes on a fateful day. when he meets Robbie at school.

His shared musical tastes with friends like Robbie create a space for deep conversations about creativity, drugs, and the ways external pressures influence personal experiences. These late-night discussions not only foster a sense of camaraderie but also help Aaron process his struggles, particularly the weight of familial expectations and his strained relationship with his father. This tension with his father plays a crucial role in his journey of self-discovery, forcing him to confront ideas of masculinity and acceptance in a world that often feels unwelcoming. Ultimately, the narrative captures the emotional complexities of growing up, illustrating how art, friendship, and personal reflection shape Aaron’s evolving sense of self.

The credit should go to the author’s lucid writing bringing such complexities in rich details for all the characters. Hence, it is heartwarming to witness how the protagonist- Aaron finds both an escape and a means of self-exploration through literature and music, using them to navigate the societal expectations and personal conflicts that shape his identity. 

I would highly recommend this book for all readers in search of a captivating read. Go for it!

* This review is based on the ARC provided by the author.