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Mayflies

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Mayflies

By: Andrew O'Hagan
Narrated by: Andrew O'Hagan
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About this listen

'An immensely engaging writer: wry and witty, and insightful.' Sunday Times

'A vivid and meticulous writer.' Observer

From the widely renowned author Andrew O'Hagan, a heartbreaking novel of an extraordinary lifelong friendship.

Everyone has a Tully Dawson: the friend who defines your life.

In the summer of 1986, in a small Scottish town, James and Tully ignite a brilliant friendship based on music, films and the rebel spirit. With school over and the locked world of their fathers before them, they rush towards the climax of their youth: a magical weekend in Manchester, the epicentre of everything that inspires them in working-class Britain. There, against the greatest soundtrack ever recorded, a vow is made: to go at life differently. Thirty years on, half a life away, the phone rings. Tully has news.

Mayflies is a memorial to youth's euphorias and to everyday tragedy. A tender goodbye to an old union, it discovers the joy and the costs of love.

©2020 Andrew O'Hagan (P)2020 Faber & Faber Coming of Age Dark Humour Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Heartfelt Inspiring Tear-jerking Witty Thought-Provoking Comedy

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I loved the beginning of this book, the narration, the characters and the story. I struggled with Manchester and would have given up had it not been for the reviews. I’m so pleased I persevered, the last part of the book was just amazing. The story really shows the dilemmas that people face, and particularly for the family around them.

Amazing story

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What a wonderful story of youth, emotions and inspirations, enduring friendship and love all so beautiful observed with humour and sadness.

Honest and open, funny and sad.

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I wanted to read this after feeling the tv version was thin and cursory. So glad I did as the book conveys the magic of a weekend in 1980s Manchester for the boys becoming men and some of the real challenges of opting for euthanasia when family is against end of life. I loved the details of literature, music, film and even perfume that takes you to the heart of the eras and characters.

Male friendship story tested by death and female loyalties

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Not my usual read but recommended by my daughter. I feel I have learnt of the enduring depth and srength of friendship from this book: also something of dignity and strength of spirit.

Honest and brave

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This was a lovely book of two friends, the ups and the downs. Definitely tissues needed but a feel good at the same time

Sad but deeply touching

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The characters are so easy to build a rapport with. The joy of friendship along with the pain of relationships. Acceptance of dying with dignity. Powerful

Life

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absolutely brilliant... I heard the name on Graham Nortons book club... a friendship we all hope for is what this is about x

brilliant

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Fantastic book 📖 extremely well written and well read by the author. Make sure you have tissue at the ready.

Wow 🥹😭

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Good performance and story structure. Provocative in places, but I loved the 80's and music references.

Fellowship of stiring and evocative

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Cried several times after a slow start. Such great characters and portrayal of deep friendship.

It started slow but I am glad I stuck with it. Such a great human story.

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