Hermit: A powerful debut novel about one boy’s journey into incel culture

About this book

As Independent Scottish booksellers, we write all of our descriptions personally, we hope you enjoy this one.

For three years, Jamie Skelton has lived in the half light of his room, dropping out of school with no qualifications, no pals and no ambition. He sleeps through most days, plays video games through most nights, and makes the occasional trip downstairs for a microwave burger. Months have passed since he last left the house, and now the thought of it feels like a door that will not open.

Fiona, his maw, is trying to hold things together. Since finding the courage to kick out her abusive husband, her confidence has never properly returned. She knows their lives cannot keep shrinking, but every attempt to reach Jamie seems to push him further away.

Online, Lee offers Jamie a story he can step into. He has found a name for what they are, and a place in London where they can go, far from their nagging mams. When Jamie gets the chance to leave, Fiona must find a way back to her son before the distance becomes permanent.