Mayflies

"A stunning novel." — Graham Norton

"My god this is gorgeous. Wild, wise, wonderful." — Russell T. Davies

"Unforgettable." — Colm Tóibín

Winner of the Christopher Isherwood Prize

Shortlisted for the Portico Prize

Now featuring Andrew O'Hagan's moving essay on the real-life friendship that inspired his beloved, award-winning novel.

Everyone has a Tully Dawson: the friend who defines your life.

In the summer of 1986, James and Tully ignite a friendship based on music, films and the rebel spirit. With school over, they rush towards a magical weekend of youthful excess in Manchester, played out against the greatest soundtrack ever recorded. And there a vow is made: to go at life differently.

Thirty years on, the phone rings. Tully has news.

Readers love Mayflies:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Intelligent, moving, and quick-moving. Leaves you smiling and crying at once."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Exquisitely written and made me exhale with a big sigh and just sit still, thinking deeply, when I closed the book at the end."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "An uplifting and life-affirming read."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This book will change your life and challenge your values. You'll laugh, then weep til you're weak like a baby."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "An exquisite exploration of how life should be lived, right until the very last breath."