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Publisher's Summary

Mickey Donnelly is smart, which isn't a good thing in his part of town. Despite having a dog called Killer and being in love with the girl next door, everyone calls him gay. He dreams of going to America, taking Wee Maggie and Ma with him to get them away from Belfast and Da.

Mickey realises it's all down to him. He has to protect Ma from herself. And sometimes, you have to be a bad boy to be a good son.

©2015 Paul McVeigh (P)2015 W F Howes Ltd

Critic Reviews

"A vivid, poignant and thrilling tale of troubled boyhood, The Good Son is a lot better than good - it's outstanding." (Toby Litt)
"A highly commendable debut, convincing in its realism." ( Independent)
"Mickey is the funniest, most endearing human being for whom we feel huge compassion as he faces each adversity. This novel envelops the reader with its humanity and its down-to-earth humour leaves you laughing." ( Booktrust)

What members say

Average Customer Ratings

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Audible.com.au reviews
Audible.com reviews
Audible.co.uk reviews
No Reviews are Available
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  • Cathy Jo Cress
  • 05-09-2016

Slice of the troubles both Funny and masterfully written

I loved the preteen view of chaos and family bonds held tight while living in a zone . The protagonist is funny, warm and clueless yet full of ways to navigate around bombs Protestants religious boundaries, girls , sex , bi sexual confusion alcoholic Dad's , bully's and his blistering , heroic Mom . I loved it

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  • K Dornan
  • 15-10-2017

Wonderful book

Loved this book. Captured perfectly Belfast at a time of the peak of the troubles. And yet never depressing.
A wonderful depiction of a young boy on the cusp of adolescence and all that that entails.
A mix of tension, pathos, raw humour and sheer joy.
Compared to Stand by Me and I can see why.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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  • Miles
  • 24-09-2017

Book of the year

Loved this. Really connected with Mickey, the protagonist and the narration, by the author, was very special

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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  • J HIGGINS
  • 06-10-2016

I could relate to a lot of this book, great fun

If you are over 50 and working class from Belfast this should pretty much be your life

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  • Nicky D
  • 29-09-2016

Wonderful story

I adored this book. Great characters, wonderful dialogue. Funny, sad, brilliant. Five massive stars from me.