Overview

In Pure Gold, John Patrick McHugh brings together a set of short stories based on an imagined island off the west coast of Ireland. We are dropped into small moments that quietly spiral, following young people and adults caught between boredom, restlessness and the urge to escape. Everyday life here is tight and watchful, and even minor choices can carry real weight.

Writing & Voice

The writing is controlled and confident, with a sharp eye for detail. We found the prose direct but never flat, often holding back just enough to let tension build. McHugh balances dark humour with sadness, and the stories often end at the point of impact, leaving the emotional echo to settle after the final line.

Characters

Although the stories share a setting, each character feels distinct. We meet teenagers acting out through fire and risk, adults facing regret, and people trying to name feelings they have carried for years. Many of them are unsure how to move forward, but their uncertainty feels honest rather than vague.

Themes

Pure Gold explores class, masculinity and the pressure of growing up in a place where everyone knows your history. The island setting heightens the sense of being watched and limited, while also offering moments of tenderness and connection. Violence and care often sit close together, showing how fragile these lives can be.

What Worked

• Strong sense of place – The island setting is vivid and consistent throughout.
• Emotional precision – Small moments carry lasting impact.
• Confident debut – The writing feels assured and deliberate.

Minor Quibbles

• Some stories end abruptly, which may leave readers wanting more resolution.
• A few characters feel familiar rather than fully developed.

Final Thoughts

We found Pure Gold to be a thoughtful and affecting collection that captures how quickly ordinary moments can turn.

Rating: ★★★★☆ / 5