For the protagonist in Gary Finnan’s debut novel, railways soon give way to rock’n’roll, Elvis, and The Beatles. Billy is swept up in a whirlwind of breathtaking intensity as he goes on an adventure to America to discover a new life. Through the story the issues of the class system, American culture, and relationships are all explored. Personal growth parallels social change, and our hero is tested by the new temptations of wine, women, and gambling. But throughout it all he keeps home and Meg and Mam at his heart.

Life changed for Billy as he grew up in the 1950s and 60s, like it changed for many around the word. However, this pacy novel does at times feel a little far fetched. It’s quite a steep trajectory from tapping rails to drinking with Elvis, even for someone with a lucky windfall. A flight of fancy for sure, and that’s fine, but it all seemed a bit too unrealistic. Glory is fleeting, fame ephemeral, and things soon change. But Billy is a likeable character, and throughout it all maintains his generous spirit and sense of what is right. Gary Finnan is a good writer, and knows the right beats to hit in this coming of age novel.