{"product_id":"9781846977602","title":"Gentlemen of the West","description":"\u003ch3\u003eAuthor: Agnes Owens\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eModern \u0026amp; contemporary fiction (post c 1945)\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003ch5\u003ePublished on 7 May 2026 by Birlinn General (Polygon An Imprint of Birlinn Limited) in the United Kingdom as part of 'the Agnes Owens Centenary Editions' series.\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003ch4\u003ePaperback | 160 pages\u003cbr\u003e197 x 130 x 16mm | 146g\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003eGentlemen of the West, Agnes Owens’ debut novel, was first published in 1984 to wide critical acclaim.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe novel follows the humorous exploits of Mac, a young bricklayer, who, along with a colourful cast of characters, seeks solace and escape in the convivial atmosphere of the Paxton Arms and the levelling influence of alcohol. Each chapter feels like a self-contained episode, but this engaging novel is a cleverly constructed, coherent narrative that is a darkly humorous portrayal of working-class life. With sharp and inventive language, the novel skilfully balances drama and comedy, making you root for the underdog. 'A moving picture of a hard, surprising world which is forcing a young man to understand it and himself' – Alasdair Gray'Accomplished and resonant and . . . always informed with a comic astringency' – The Scotsman'Simultaneously funny and unflinching . . . an economy of language worthy of Ernest Hemingway or Muriel Spark' – Dani GaravelliPublished to celebrate Agnes Owens' centenary year in 2026.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Agnes Owens","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64838038716765,"sku":"9781846977602","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1074\/9358\/9341\/files\/9781846977602.jpg?v=1780054148","url":"https:\/\/adventureintobooks.co.uk\/products\/9781846977602","provider":"Adventure Into Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}