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Me and Ma Gal
£4.89
A raw, funny and unforgettable coming‑of‑age story about friendship, danger and growing up in Coatbridge.
One of the 100 Best Scottish Books of All Time — Des Dillon’s cult classic captures the wild energy, humour and heart of boyhood in contemporary Scotland.
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About the Ebook
Meet Derruck Danyul Riley and his best mate, Gal — two inseparable lads ‘rowin’ up in Coatbrid’e, getting into scrapes, dodging danger and learning what loyalty really means.
From e‑huntin’ to outrunnin’ the fearsome Bricklayer, their adventures are full of mischief, humour and the wild intensity of boyhood. But life in Coatbrid’e isnae always fun and ‘ames, and the boys soon discover that friendship is tested most when things get tough.
Me and Ma Gal is Des Dillon’s award‑winning debut — a vibrant, heartfelt and sharply observed portrait of working‑class Scotland. Written in an unforgettable voice, it captures the rhythm, humour and raw honesty of growing up in a place where danger and laughter sit side by side.
Critical Praise
"If you didn't grow up in Scotland you will enjoy this book. But if you did grow up here you will absolutely love it!"
— Jack McConnell, Scotland’s First Minister
"A brilliant debut filled with ironic revelation."
— The Times
"Quite simply, spot on."
— Big Issue in Scotland
"Reminded me of Twain and Kerouac… told with wonderful verve, immediacy and warmth."
— Edwin Morgan
"Ripe with humour and poignant vignettes of boyhood… an endearing and distinctive novel."
— Scotland on Sunday
Why You'll Love This Ebook
- A modern Scottish classic named one of the 100 Best Scottish Books of All Time.
- A vivid, authentic voice capturing the humour and hardship of growing up in Coatbridge.
- A powerful story of friendship that resonates across generations.
- Perfect for fans of gritty, heartfelt Scottish fiction with real emotional punch.
- A standout Luath Press title from one of Scotland’s most distinctive writers.
About the Author
Des Dillon was born and raised in Coatbridge. He is the author of poetry, fiction and drama, including Me and Ma Gal — which won the World Book Day “We Are What We Read” poll for the novel that best describes Scotland today.
His other works include The Big Empty, Duck, Picking Brambles and Itchycooblue, several of which have been adapted for film and television. Dillon has worked as an English teacher, creative writing tutor and scriptwriter for High Road and River City. He lives in Galloway.
Publication Details
Publisher: Luath Press
Publication Date: —
Print Length: — (Ebook edition)
ISBN (Ebook): 9781910324707
Format: Ebook
Language: Scots / English
Categories: Fiction / Scottish Fiction / Coming‑of‑Age
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