When James meets Luke, everything changes – an exhilarating tale of hidden desire and sudden freedom in the wild countryside.

THE INSTANT TOP 10 IRISH BESTSELLER
SHORTLISTED FOR THE DYLAN THOMAS PRIZE 2026

‘An achingly beautiful story of first love’ GUARDIAN
‘Superb… Transcendent’ SARAH PERRY
‘Beautifully written, deeply felt’ MICHAEL MAGEE
‘Heart-rending… Propulsive’ FINANCIAL TIMES

James dreams of another life far away from his small village. Almost an adult, his newfound desires threaten to unravel his shy exterior. Then he meets Luke. Unkempt and handsome, charismatic and impulsive, he has been sent to stay with his aunt and uncle on a nearby farm.

With the passing seasons, a bond emerges between them that transforms their lives. Yet James is never sure of Luke’s true feelings and as the end of summer nears, he has a choice to make: will he risk everything for the possibility of love?