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Hermit

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Hermit

By: Chris McQueer
Narrated by: Chris McQueer, Scarlett Mack
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About this listen

'A deeper look into the loneliness of modern masculinity. Superb.' DOUGLAS STUART, author of SHUGGIE BAIN

'An utter triumph . . . Far and away the best debut novel I've read in a very long time' JOHN NIVEN, author of O BROTHER

'A grimly addictive, empathetic novel. Hermit is a visceral examination of the misogynistic rot permeating the minds of young men and putting women at risk. A dreadful - but masterful - read' ALICE SLATER, author of DEATH OF A BOOKSELLER

'A story of shame, transgression and the distances we will travel in order to feel less alone. I was so moved' ANNIE MACMANUS, author of MOTHER MOTHER

'As compelling as doom scrolling' THE HERALD MAGAZINE

'Arguably the most eagerly-awaited novel of the year. McQueer writes with humour and an insight into human nature which is striking.' SNACK MAGAZINE

'HERMIT is brave, bold and ambitious' SUNDAY POST

Since dropping out of school three years ago with no qualifications, no pals, and no ambition, Jamie Skelton spends most of his days asleep and most of his nights wanking, playing video games with his online friend, Lee, and occasionally making the journey downstairs to the kitchen for a microwave burger. He hasn't left the house in months, and now he's not sure he can.

Fiona, Jamie's maw, is trying her best, but since finding the courage to kick out her abusive husband her confidence has never recovered. She goes to work every day, but otherwise she's not that different from her son - withdrawn from life, without friends. She knows their lives can't carry on like this, but she's at a loss to know how to change things.

When Fiona tries to get Jamie to apply for a job, he sees her as the cause for all of his problems. Then Lee tells Jamie he's realised there's a name for what they are - incels - and that there's a guy he's met through the forums they can go stay with in London, to get away from their nagging mams.

But in running away from his problems at home, Jamie may actually be running towards something much worse.

©2025 Chris McQueer (P)2025 Headline Publishing Group Limited
Biographical Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Urban

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All stars
Most relevant  
Perfectly narrated. This is a disturbing story which is told is such a fearless way. Much can and will be learned from this novel - it's excellently written.

Fearless Fiction

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The voicing is excellent and gripping, the story is the perfect balance of light to extremely deep. Wish it was 40 hours longer.

Fantastic transition from funny to dark and gripping.

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I bought this audiobook after hearing the author being interviewed.

This is an engaging story about how Jamie becomes involved in the incel world and each chapter is told through his or his mum's perspective.

It's quite a short listen but it is engaging. I liked the narration with Jamie speaking in broad Glaswegian patter but his mum's accent doesn't match.

It doesn't go into the dark incel world as much as I would like, I would have liked to have more insight into the icel mind.

Overall a good listen.

Hermit

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Very good ‘read’ with well-drawn characters and plenty of tension. Would make a good book club book. However, until I reduced the speed to 90%, I struggled with the speed of the speech and the accent.

Skillfully drawn characters

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I really learned a lot from this book.Its depiction of a young boys journey to inceldom is uncomfortable and compelling.Having the mum's account of their lives and situations was really clever as you could see how Jamie had been a victim of society and his mum was a victim of domestic abuse .This story should be told in schools of how we can be led astray when wanting to belong.

hermit

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great narration by both informing an already great book, really poignant and empathetic all the way thru. truly as horrible and nasty as promised

last few chapters hit me like a simile that isnt a spoiler

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I'd not heard of the book before it popped up on my suggested reads - I'm so glad I tried it. I couldn't stop listening - both Jamie's and Fiona's stories were gripping, and narrated perfectly.

Bought on a whim and was gripped

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Oof. What a devastating, brilliant book. If you found Adolescence gripping, you should definitely read this. It's so well written, the characters are so vividly well drawn. As Jamie's attempt to escape his reclusive life spirals out of control, you can feel the rising panic of both him and his maw. I usually prefer to read novels in print, but, with the dialect and alternating voices, this works really well on audiobook.

What a gripping story

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I wasn’t sure about the topic to begin with but the story , characters and narrative drew me in from the get go. Loved the Glasgow accents !

As a Glaswegian I loved the narrative !!

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