The Boyhood of Cain English 2026

'A new literary star is born.' The Times
'A beautiful and profound novel about a boy's coming to consciousness as his family falls apart.' Mary Costello
'A powerful, searing tale.' Andre Aciman
'A terrific queer coming-of-age debut.' Guardian

Danny's father is the headmaster of his school. Danny is sure that this gives him a special status, but every time he mentions it, his classmates turn away. Until a new boy, Philip, arrives and surprises Danny by wanting to be friends.

But then Danny's father loses his job, they have to move and he is shut off from the world he knew. Worse still, his parents can't help him as they are both sinking under their own troubles. Danny understands that he is the one who must bring everyone back together, but he gets it wrong every time he tries.