Mayflies
Mayflies
Book Brief
Beta288
Novel • Fiction
Scotland • 1980s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Mayflies by Andrew O’Hagan explores the lifelong bond between two friends from adolescence into adulthood. Set against the backdrop of 1980s Manchester and the Scottish countryside, the novel delves into themes of friendship, memory, and the passage of time.
Reviews & Readership
26,549 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Andrew O'Hagan's Mayflies is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of friendship and poignant exploration of life's dynamics. Reviewers appreciate its evocative prose and humor. Some critique its slow pace and occasional predictability. Overall, it resonates deeply with readers for its emotional depth and relatable characters.
Who Should Read Mayflies?
A reader who enjoys Mayflies by Andrew O'Hagan likely appreciates nuanced portrayals of friendship and coming-of-age themes. Fans of Karl Ove Knausgaard's My Struggle series or Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan Novels will relish the rich character development and evocative depictions of youth and memory.
26,549 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mayflies was longlisted for the 2021 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, recognizing outstanding books that evoke the atmosphere of the past.
The novel draws inspiration from Andrew O'Hagan's own life and experiences, providing a semi-autobiographical exploration of friendship and youth.
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O'Hagan has noted in interviews that the music and cultural scenes of the 1980s played a significant role in shaping the world of Mayflies, influencing its characters and settings.
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288
Novel • Fiction
Scotland • 1980s
2020
Adult
18+ years
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