One of the great lyricists of our time the lead singer and songwriter for the iconic
Glasgow-based band Belle and Sebastian pens a sensitive and intimate account--his debut novel
based on his own youthful experiences--of dark days leading to light and a coming of age
through music. It's the early 1990s in Glasgow Scotland and Stephen has emerged from a
lengthy hospital stay. Diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome a little-understood disease
which has robbed him of any prospects of work friends or independent living he moves slowly
toward new goals and meets others like him including Richard a friend from school and Carrie
a young woman bedridden for five years. Feeling isolated and alone they form their own support
group and try to get by with as little money and pain as possible. Since he's been ill
Stephen never feels warm inspiring Carrie to affectionately call him "The World's Coldest
Boy." As the world seems to care less for them the trio start to care less about fitting in
with the world. Stephen soon discovers he has a talent for writing songs. He awakens to the
possibility of a spiritual life that transcends the everyday and feels a calling for a place
that might as well be on the other end of the universe let alone the world. Buoyed by tentative
hope he and Richard leave Glasgow in search of a cure in the mythic warmth and sun of
California. As they float between hostels sofas and park benches they discover the trip is
life-changing in ways neither expected and Stephen embraces a new-world reinvention that will
change his life forever. Melodic and captivating filled with graceful notes melancholic
chords and witty thoughtful riffs on life's infinite possibilities and curiosities Nobody's
Empire is a warm and wonderful coming-of-age novel imbued with Stuart Murdoch's magical
lyricism.
