A story of boyhood friendship and irrepressible vitality told with the speed of trains and the understanding of the awkwardness, significance and fragility of that time. This is a day in the life of two boys as told by one of them.
If you didn't grow up in Scotland you will enjoy this book. But if you did grow up here you will absolutely love it! - Jack McConnell, Scotland's First Minister.
A brilliant debut filled with ironic revelation. - The Times.
Quite simply, spot on. - Big Issue in Scotland.
Reminded me of Twain and Kerouac ... a story told with wonderful verve, immediacy and warmth. - Edwin Morgan.
Ripe with humour and poignant vignettes of boyhood, this is an endearing and distinctive novel. - Scotland on Sunday
Des Dillon was born and brought up in Coatbridge. He has written poetry and fiction, including Me and Ma Gal, (which won the recent World Book Day 'We Are What We Read' poll for the novel that best describes Scotland today) The Big Empty, Duck, Picking Brambles and Itchycooblue and has had several of his books adapted for film and television. His new book, The Glasgow Dragon, was published by Luath Press in August 2004. He has worked as a teacher of English, a creative writing tutor and as a scriptwriter for High Road and River City. Des Dillon lives in Galloway.