'The most important book of its generation' - Mark Cagney, Morning Ireland
'Jewel-like scenes of Dublin' - Sunday Times
'Roddy Doyle with Knobs on!' - RTE Guide
'Thompson's ability to, by his own admission, write for non-readers, make his books unputdownable' - Tara O'Liaith


Johnser Kiely was brought up the hard way, one of a large family in a glass-splattered playground in a Ballyfermot Estate. Johnser finds love and trouble in equal measure as his reckless impulses lead him down a dangerous path. While Jackie Clarke is drawn to his wild spirit, Johnser's knack for robbing and fighting could cost him everything - his freedom, family and his very life. Tensions build to a pivotal night when a gun is drawn and fates are forever altered in this gritty tale of star-crossed lovers from the wrong side of the tracks. The original Dublin novel of the classic love story about Hard Man Johnser Kiely and his long-suffering partner Jackie Clarke. This cult classic is now a Cannes-celebrated film by Gilles Lellouche 'L'Amour Ouf' (Beating Hearts).