Docherty Canons

Winner of the Whitbread Award, "Docherty" is a novel that tells the story of a Scottish miner who is fighting for a better life for his son. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Conn Docherty, a newborn baby, lies in his parents' tenement room in a small coastal town in Scotland. He has no inheritance except for a life of hard work in the town's coal mines. However, the world is changing, and Conn's father, Tam, is determined to give his son a different life from his own.

The novel, described as "intense, witty, and beautifully crafted" by the Daily Telegraph, is a gritty and tender exploration of the Docherty family's struggles. It has been hailed as a modern classic, offering a deep and sympathetic portrayal of the lives of working-class people, whose existence often goes unnoticed in historical records except for birth and death notices, as noted by the Scotsman.

"McIlvanney presents a shrewd and unyielding insight into the west of Scotland," the Scotsman further praises. The New York Times Book Review commends McIlvanney's writing style, stating, "As a stylist, Mr. McIlvanney outshines most of the competition."

With its powerful storytelling and vivid depiction of life in Scotland at the turn of the century, "Docherty" is a moving and thought-provoking work that resonates with readers. It captures the determination and resilience of working-class families, and the desire for a better future for the next generation.

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