Mayflies: From the author of the Sunday Times bestseller Caledonian Road

I seem to be in a minority. I found the young men and their 80s trip to Manchester unrealistic, stylised and dull. It read like a first novel attempt by an NME writer who didn't actually grow up in the period. By the time we got to 2017, I had little interest in whether or how Tully might die and the lifelong friendship was unconvincing. I did really want to like it but I confess to not persevering to the bitter end.

I bought this book because it was highly reviewed - big mistake. Why would I, a middle-aged woman be interested in the antics of a group of Scottish teenage boys? And then, twenty years later, one of them gets incurable cancer and we follow his slow and tragic journey to his death so that I was left miserable. Definitely not, 'Love Story'.

A friend of mine read this and adored it. I must confess to being the kind of person that automatically switches off when a book is recommended or hugely popular.But I finally bought this the other day and I must say its a fantastic read. I'm a little confused by the two top reviews that are negative - it perfectly evokes (without ramming it down your throat) what it was like to be north of Watford in Thatchers 'Britain', the sense of hopelessness pervading the older people in the book, and the fear of it getting the young people.The friendships are well rounded and you feel empathy and understanding pretty quickly. It evokes what perhaps Manchester was like for so many, a blur of drinks and drugs and shouts and moments.The second half isnt quite as much of a rollercoaster, but it is handled exceptionally well. I think any of us that have a reached a certain age can relate to the situation, even if not directly. It left me extremely thoughtful and engrossed, and really wishing a better end for them all. A great book.

This is a funny, profound, philosophical and emotional novel, based on a real life friendship of the author. I loved it. I am of a similar age to the characters and liked the same music, but the universal themes of friendships as we grow up and are grown up, can be enjoyed by a wide audience.

I can’t praise this book enough.If were around for the 80s when it was enough just to be in a place never mind actually see your heroes, then this is a book for you.The friendship between the two main characters is just beautiful, I could have sobbed at the ending.Despite me wanting to tell everyone to read this book, I’m afraid my copy is a bookshelf keeper!Enjoy

Mayflies is a rather touching tale about the wonder of male friendship. Not perfect, but not rubbish by any means. If you are after a bit of 1980s Manchester and indie music nostalgia, then the first part of this book is for you.The problem is though that the much darker second half is not as strong as the first. The debate about assisted dying is one worthy of exploration. However, I was never intensely moved like I had suspected I would be prior to reading.Starting in a small Scottish town in the mid-to-late 1980s, we fondly get to know the lives of two best friends called Tully and James. In their late teenage years, these two boys share a love of indie music and movie line quotes. With respect to the latter passion, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, being a particular favourite of theirs.The author clearly no fan of 80s Thatcherism, shows how the escapism of music was vital to the existence of so many young people back then in Britain. With a group of friends our two protagonists decide to go and have a weekend of indie music heaven in Manchester.Their Manchester escapades did get a tad tedious in places though. It was too drawn out. Admittedly, bits were interesting and entertaining to read. Nevertheless, if one is honest, then other parts verged on the slightly corny.The second part picks up the action again in the Autumn of 2017. One of the characters is dying and so the topic of euthanasia is what the entire narrative is then shaped around. It must be acknowledged as well as praised, that both viewpoints are covered i.e., for and against. However, I think it is very clear to deduce what the position of author Andrew O’Hagan is, by the completion of the story.Having earlier criticised this second half for not being intense enough, undoubtedly though the friendship of Tully and James is a touching aspect throughout. It made me think for example, of the close male friendships that I have in my life.Overall, this is a thought provoking read, without ever being an immensely captivating one. I thought by the time I turned the last page, then I would be a blubbering wreck. I was not though much to my surprise.Brilliant 80s Manchester nostalgia, but this got diluted by it becoming a book essentially about assisted dying. A good read, without it ever being an amazing one. I wanted more emotion, I wanted more tears, and ultimately I wanted to care more about them by the end. 3/5.

Mayflies (Faber) is the first Andrew O’Hagan novel I have read and it certainly will not be the last. It’s only just turned March but I doubt I am going to find another novel that will comfortably beat this one when it comes to choosing my personal book of the year come December. It’s a book in two parts with the first painting the picture of a group of young pals from Glasgow going on a trip to Manchester to see bands, chat up girls, get lashed and have a good time. It’s not Lad Lit in any way and the observations are acute and affectionate. The second half is a couple of decades later and explores the relationship of the two lead characters and how their lives have changed and the way that their friendship copes with what life has to throw at them. This is an emotional ride which really sucks you in. It is exquisitely written and made me exhale with a big sigh and just sit still, thinking deeply, when I closed the book at the end - I’m sure I’m not the only one who reacted strongly to it. How good is it? I immediately ordered a hardback for myself and a paperback to give to someone important. I can see myself giving a few copies of this book to people who matter to me.