{"product_id":"9781846977602-gentlemen-of-the-west","title":"Gentlemen of the West","description":"\u003cmeta content=\"text\/html; charset=utf-8\" http-equiv=\"Content-Type\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGentlemen of the West isAgnesOwens' first novel. It is the acutely observed series of episodes in the life of the narrator, a 22-year-old bricklayer whose situation and lifestyle will be immediately identifiable to many readers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eGentlemen of the West\u003c\/em\u003e, Agnes Owens’ debut novel, was first published in 1984 to wide critical acclaim.\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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith sharp and inventive language, the novel skilfully balances drama and comedy, making you root for the underdog. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cstrong\u003eA moving picture of a hard, surprising world which is forcing a young man to understand it and himself' – Alasdair Gray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'Accomplished and resonant and . always informed with a comic astringency' – The Scotsman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'Simultaneously funny and unflinching . an economy of language worthy of Ernest Hemingway or Muriel Spark' – Dani Garavelli\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePublished to celebrate Agnes Owens' centenary year in 2026.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rarewaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57684686569846,"sku":"9781846977602","price":8.65,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0092\/7504\/8033\/files\/orig_41027858_49d27f37-9e67-428a-a400-3d6be6bb5d43.jpg?v=1777018813","url":"https:\/\/www.rarewaves.com\/products\/9781846977602-gentlemen-of-the-west","provider":"Rarewaves.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}