Pure Gold

Reviews / Votes

'This astonishing collection of stories draws the reader into a world at once familiar and deliciously strange ... With an unflinching eye for injustice, cruelty and self-deceit, McHugh nonetheless approaches his cast of characters with a sincere and intelligent compassion. In exquisite and arresting prose, this collection makes it clear that John Patrick McHugh is one of the most exciting writers working in Ireland today' Sally Rooney, author of Normal People


' This is a remarkable, rare and truly brilliant collection which will no doubt capture and convert those readers like myself who seldom reach for short stories' Megan Nolan, author of Acts of Desperation


'Ireland produces writers the way some countries produce footballers, and the latest is John Patrick McHugh' Sunday Times


'This collection is refreshing and ambitious, its stories full of heart and balls and mischief' Lisa McInerny, author of The Blood Miracles


'McHugh's stories are full of stylish brio, headlong with energy, and pulse with real feeling and depth. He is a young writer forging a fresh and intense new path through the landscape of Irish letters' Colin Barrett, author of Young Skins


'This is a terrific collection. The stories are dark, funny, honest and engrossing' Roddy Doyle, author of Love


'These are sharp, savage, feral stories. Pure Gold is utterly engrossing and unafraid. From the broken world of masculinity and prejudice, John Patrick McHugh has wrought a precious, beautiful alchemy.' Sean Hewitt, author of Tongues of Fire


'Emotionally intelligent and savagely funny ... Pure Gold is a striking literary debut' Nicole Flattery, author of Show Them A Good Time