Overview

We read Hermit as a raw story about Jamie Skelton, a young man who has dropped out of life and spends his days inside, barely leaving the house. His online friendship with Lee and the lure of a community in London pull him toward a decision that may cost him everything, while his mother Fiona tries to reach him and reconnect before he slips away.

Writing & Voice

We found McQueer’s voice clear and compassionate, blending bleak humour with sharp moments of insight. His prose captures ordinary speech and thought in a way that feels intimate and immediate. The narrative never shies from the discomfort of Jamie’s world and the strain on Fiona’s patience and love.

Content & Perspective

The novel alternates between Jamie’s inward gaze and Fiona’s increasingly desperate attempts to reach him. Jamie’s view of his stagnation and his hope for belonging sits against Fiona’s own struggle to cope with past trauma and her fear of losing her son. This layered perspective deepens our understanding of both characters and their flaws.

Themes

Hermit wrestles with loneliness, belonging, and the traps of online culture. It shows how identity and self-worth can fracture when connection to the world wanes. At its heart, it’s a story about family, shame, and the desperate longing for understanding in a world that often dismisses quiet suffering.

What Worked

• Compassionate character study that avoids easy judgment.
• Balanced humour and seriousness that enrich the narrative.
• Sharp look at contemporary social issues without preaching.

Minor Quibbles

• Pacing can feel slow as internal struggles dominate.
• Certain moments lean on familiar coming-of-age beats.

Final Thoughts

We think Hermit is a thoughtful, unsettling debut that stays with you, a mirror to modern loneliness and the costs of wanting to be seen on our own terms.

Rating: ★★★★½ / 5