‘QUITE DELIGHTFULLY BRAIN-BURSTING’
MIKE KERNAN’S debut novel The Fenian has captured the imagination with a string of 5-star Amazon ratings, rave reviews and fabulous feedback on social media.
Readers have been calling the coming of age romance “charming, funny and poignant”, and “evocative and intriguing”. Comparisons have even been drawn with Gregory’s Girl and Trainspotting as well as writing giants like Stephen King – without the horror – Iain Banks and David Nicholls. Here’s how The Fenian has been received.
AMAZON REVIEWS
CRAIG McDONALD “When I pick up a really good book, I struggle to put it down. I get drawn into that world and want to know what happens next. The Fenian was one such book. From Page 1 onwards I was hooked. The character development is a slow burner, and deliberately so. You learn small tidbits of information about each of the gang through their many incidents, discoveries and interactions. I was immediately drawn to the book as it's based in my home town, Cumbernauld, and although I don't live there now, I have many wonderful childhood recollections of the town. The Fenian brought back so many of these memories of places, people and the ridiculous shenanigans we involve ourselves in as we are growing up – and the feeling that nothing else in the world matters, nothing else is so important. The plot weaves easily between childhood and adulthood – a bit like Stephen King’s IT without the horror – and drip feeds you memories of days gone by, and friendships lost. The plot develops slowly, drawing you in further, not wanting to stop reading until you discover what happens next. And I love that. I love feeling connected with the characters and the places, being able to relate and chuckle along at your own memories of youth. The title may be to some a little misleading as the book isn't focused on bigotry or religious rivalries. These are, of course, touched upon, and in a way the thread of religion is weaved through the book with great subtlety and finesse without being overbearing or intrusive. Even though I was a decade or two later in growing up in Cumbernauld’s concrete jungle, this is a book that I will revisit time and again. A great coming of age novel full of love, laughter, betrayal, sadness, discovery, regret and forgiveness.”
Mrs KAZZIEC “This book is for anyone who's ever experienced the angst of teenage love, unrequited or otherwise. If anyone's read and enjoyed Sweet Sorrow by David Nicholls, I think you'll love this. The Fenian is all about friendship, sense of place, sense of self, and how a few words spoken at the wrong time and the decisions we then make can affect the rest of our lives and the lives of those around us. It's funny, sad, heart-wrenching, and nostalgic. Those outwith Scotland might find they have to get used to some of the local slang, but hey, it didn't stop Trainspotting flying off the shelves. Some of the characters really got under my skin and, without giving spoilers, if certain things hadn't worked out the way I wanted them to, I would have been fuming! I pretty much devoured this book and I can be a tough crowd, so if you fancy a really enjoyable read and a wee wander down memory lane, I recommend you give this a bash.”
DAVID LEWIS “Every once in a while, you meet characters you know will hang around with you for a long time. The Fenian has no shortage of them. While the primary characters enjoy most of our attention, there is someone in there for everyone in this part coming-of-age novel, part deep dive into life once 'age' is achieved. The pages come to life with love, loss, humour, loyalty and antagonism as wonderful anecdotes from growing up in a Scottish new town are relived. I couldn't help but think of two books by my favourite author – Crow Road and Stonemouth by Iain Banks – as a series of entertaining events combine to paint the bigger picture. The Fenian is so well-crafted and has such staying power that you will not regret getting stuck in.”
LSF “The Fenian defies its rather provocative title and delivers a charming, funny and honest account of a love affair; not between two people but among a group of eleven. I was quickly drawn into the lives of each of the characters, as their stories developed and the narrative unravelled. The writing was beautifully paced, witty and at times very poignant and I was continually impressed by the author's attention to detail in setting the time and the scene, in west central Scotland. I loved this book, enjoyed checking in with my friends in Cumbride and I already miss them now that they are gone. Huge praise for the author on his debut novel and hope to read more from him in future.”
TRACEY CUNNINGHAM “Takes you back to the best times of your life whilst bringing in everything that’s up to date. The story had me captivated from the beginning, it had me reminiscing about times in my life and the things I lost. Mike has a great way of drawing you in with his description of dress, places you’ve been to, music you listened and danced to and just the way we lived our lives in the early years. The simple but somewhat important memories that you cherish forever. I hope there is a follow up as I’d be first to read it.”
LAURA HARKINS “Great characters to love and even though it was a different time, the teenage years are so relatable and nostalgic that you can’t help but feel like part of the gang and all the fun that came with it. Recommend it to anyone looking for a good story – especially anyone from Central Scotland that can enjoy the backdrop and appreciate the local language!”
STU WHO? “A really poignant and powerful coming-of-age tale that features some incredibly vivid scenes, which will resonate strongly, I'm sure, with those who suffered bullying from both pupils and teachers at school, and faced the embarrassments of puberty and fledgling loves.”
JOAN HUTTON “Each character seemed reminiscent of someone from our own youth, and we were kept in suspense at the end of every chapter wondering how their lives would unfold. There is humour, loyalty and rivalry among the friends. Altogether a most enjoyable read.”
MICHAEL RICHARDS “Absolutely brilliant, couldn’t put it down. Conjures up all sorts of memories from my own teenage years and loved the songs that go with each chapter. Highly recommend.”
MENSA LADY “Loved it. All seemed so familiar... they were the same age as me (give or take one year!) so everything was a reminder of my own youth. Well impressed.”
JIM BROUGH “Superbly written, making it an easy and hugely enjoyable read with plenty of nostalgic references too.”
GRAHAM SIMPSON “Life, love, friendship and laughs…the characters are tightly drawn, flawed, amusing, likeable.”
CHRISTINE THOMSON “Nice holiday read…a nostalgic look back that many will identify with.”
AMAZON CUSTOMER “A great nostalgic read…kept me hooked until the end.”
AMAZON CUSTOMER “A great read, already suggested it to all my family and friends.”
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SOCIAL CHATTER
“Quite delightfully brain-bursting…the turns of phrase and slang look crazy written down but it all makes perfect sense when you say it out loud” – Thomas Fitzsimmons.
“Good, compulsive reading…it’s a big work, well written, intriguing and insightful” – Quint Glen.
“Got tears in my eyes reading your brilliant book...don’t want to stop” – Lesley McQueen.
“A lump in your throat one minute, laughing out loud the next” – Carol Stobo.
“I love this book, I feel like I know the characters…I don’t want it to finish” – Anne-Marie Dunne.
“Funny, inspiring and thought-provoking…I know I'm going to miss this bunch of characters” – Helen Rumbold.
“Chuckling at the slightly amended names of places. I’m thinking there are some true characters in the book” – Carol Close.
“Very evocative…I could easily relate to the settings” – Phyllis Cavanagh.
“I loved it…a reminder of my own youth” – Fiona Hynes.
“Some brilliantly described moments” - Patrick Shaughnessy.
“Reading it and loving it” – Anne Deacon.
“What an excellent read” – John Perella.
“A great read” – Clara Bow.