Fun and Games 💋

By John Patrick McHugh.

Fun and Games by John Patrick McHugh is a stunning, darkly comic, and deeply moving exploration of a teenage boy's coming-of-age on the west coast of Ireland.

The story follows seventeen-year-old John Masterson during the last summer before he heads off to college.

Set on a small island, John is caught between the simplicity of island life and the complexities of his own feelings.

Working shifts at the local hotel, trying to avoid the scandal of his mother’s sext scandal, and joining the local football team, John struggles with his identity and the choices that lay before him.

The story beautifully captures the rawness of teenage life: the awkwardness of first love, the pressures of social class, and the challenges of fitting in while still trying to stand out.

McHugh’s sharp, darkly comic prose pulls you into John’s world, where he’s balancing his family’s issues with the uncertainty of his future.

What makes this story truly stand out is its authentic portrayal of a young man grappling with the tension between childhood and adulthood, in a world filled with expectations and insecurities.

McHugh handles themes of manhood, love, and personal growth with great tenderness, creating a narrative that is both harsh and beautiful in its honesty.

A heartfelt, poignant read that brings a fresh perspective to the coming-of-age genre. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a story that is both deeply emotional and laced with dark humour.

Thank you to Matt and the team at 4th Estate for sending me a copy of the book to review! The book is out now and available to purchase!

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