“Dazzles with indie charm. . . . By turns hilarious and heartbreaking Nobody’s Empire is a
romantic world of possibility and youthful yearning.”— Minnesota Star Tribune “Murdoch proves
he’s as good a novelist as he is a musician."— Kirkus Reviews (starred review) 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.
