The Boyhood of Cain

A poignant debut novel about a boy on the precipice of adulthood, struggling to understand how he might give and deserve love.

A poignant debut novel about a boy on the precipice of adulthood, struggling to understand how he might give and deserve love.

'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.