When his grandmother dies, and his grandfather is removed to a home, fifteen-year-old Danny determines to look after their elderly pig and ramshackle garden. Here, on the ragged edge of a blighted new town, Danny and his Indian girlfriend Surinder create a fragile haven from the enclosing world of racist neighbours and stifling families, a summer's refuge from the precariousness of their future.
Read MoreA coming-of-age story as strange and surprising, in its way, as THE CATCHER IN THE RYE - New York TimesCowan's writing is reminiscent of Roddy Doyle's in his ability to recreate the intense emotions of youth. - The Good Book GuideA first novel of extraordinary poise and accomplishment, treating a boy's coming of age amid the squalid realities of the new British underclass with a delicacy and lyricism which is both gripping and moving - Michael DibdinThe detail is immaculately recorded; the effect is heartbreaking - Louisa Young, Sunday Times[A] wholly satisfying book, quietly beautiful and inescapably ominous - David Buckley, ObserverBeautifully evoked ... Cowan writes with a deceptive simplicity - Amanda Craig, The TimesA wonderful first novel - Christopher Hart, Daily Telegraph