‘One of the most exciting writers working in Ireland today’ SALLY ROONEY, author of Normal People
‘Terrific’ RODDY DOYLE, author of Love
‘Truly brilliant’ MEGAN NOLAN, author of Acts of Desperation
On an island off Ireland’s west coast strange things are afoot: two teenage boys set fires while their worlds fall apart, a couple drive out to the hills in a last-ditch effort to save their marriage, a widow seeks a stranger’s help to bury her grief and a horse crashes a house party. Adrift in the treacherous waters of small-town boredom, the residents reach out with love and cruelty, desperation and hope, in their pursuit of connection.


Pure Gold is a bitterly funny, surprising and profoundly moving short story collection that crackles with the thrilling energy of a bold new literary voice, John Patrick McHugh.



‘Full of stylish brio’ Colin Barrett, author of Young Skins




‘Hilarious, shocking, and disturbingly well-observed’ Vanity Fair




‘Searing … John Patrick McHugh joins an illustrious generation of talented writers’ Irish Times




‘Savagely funny’ Nicole Flattery, author of Show Them a Good Time




‘Refreshing and ambitious’ Lisa McInerney, author of The Blood Miracles