Overview

Glasgow Boys is a contemporary YA novel set in modern-day Glasgow. It centres on Finlay and Banjo, two teenagers who grew up together in the Scottish care system before being separated. Finlay is now studying nursing at university, focused on routine and responsibility as a way to keep his life on track. Banjo has just arrived in a new foster home, carrying years of anger, grief, and distrust. When their lives begin to cross again, both boys want to reconnect, but neither knows how to risk being hurt one more time.

Voice & Atmosphere

The writing is grounded and open, with short, sharp chapters that move between Finlay and Banjo. Their voices are clearly drawn and easy to tell apart. Scots language and Glasgow speech patterns are woven in naturally, giving the story texture and place without ever slowing the reader down. The city feels lived in, present in buses, flats, and hospital corridors, shaping the boys quietly in the background.

Characters

Finlay is cautious and determined, always trying to do the right thing even when it costs him. Banjo is raw and volatile, using humour and bravado to cover how much he is struggling. Their friendship feels believable because it is messy and unfinished. The adults in the novel are handled with the same care. Foster carers, lecturers, and social workers are shown as people doing their best within a system that does not always give them the tools they need.

Themes

This book explores trust, masculinity, and mental health with a light but steady hand. It looks at how difficult it can be to ask for help when you have learned to rely only on yourself. Small moments matter here, a shared meal, a gentle touch, someone noticing when things are not okay. These quiet acts of care carry real weight throughout the story.

What Worked

• Authentic dialogue: conversations feel natural and emotionally true.
• Balanced pacing: the story gives space to sit with feelings without dragging.
• Honest portrayal of care: the system is shown clearly, without blame or sentimentality.

Minor Quibbles

• A couple of supporting storylines resolve a little too cleanly.
• One later development could have used more room to fully unfold.

Final Thoughts

Glasgow Boys is a tender, grounded novel about friendship, survival, and learning to accept care when you need it most.

Rating: ★★★★½☆ (4.5/5)