Only Here, Only Now

The Scottish Book of the Summer Herald praised Tom Newlands' debut novel, Only Here, Only Now, as a funny and heartbreaking story of coming of age in a forgotten corner of Scotland. The novel follows Cora Mowat, a young girl stuck on a seaside council estate, as she searches for love, acceptance, and a path to something good. With its vibrant prose and unforgettable characters, the book is a must-read for anyone who loves coming-of-age stories.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2024
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

"The Scottish Book of the Summer Herald" is a novel that has captured the hearts of readers with its blend of humor and heartache. Written by Douglas Stuart, the Man Booker Prize-winning author of "Shuggie Bain," the book tells the story of Cora Mowat, a young woman living on a seaside council estate in Fife, Scotland, in the scorching summer of 1994.

Cora is a complex character, stuck in a place where her mates don't understand her, and she doesn't understand herself. She dreams of escape, but is unsure of what the future holds for a girl like her. When her Mam's new boyfriend, Gunner, moves in, tensions rise in their tiny house. Gunner is a shaven-headed shoplifter with more than a few secrets stashed under the bed, and as their attempts to forge a makeshift family unravel, Cora rails against her small-town existence in search of love, acceptance, and a path to something good.

However, sometimes, you can't move forward until you find your way back. "The Scottish Book of the Summer Herald" is a story about poverty, identity, and family that explores the complexities of growing up in a forgotten corner of Scotland and the lengths people will go to find their place in the world. It is vibrant, lyrical, and fiercely funny, with characters that are unforgettable and a plot that keeps you hooked until the very end.

Douglas Stuart's debut novel is a triumph, and it is clear that he is a talent to watch. With his vivid prose and deep understanding of the human condition, he has created a modern classic that is destined to become a beloved part of literature for years to come. "The Scottish Book of the Summer Herald" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story, and for those who are curious about the lives of people living on the margins of society.

Weight: 624g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399607896