An Observer Best Debut Novelist 2026 'I loved this book . . . raw grungy and frenetic'
Alice Slater author of Let the Bad Times Roll 'Part Virgin Suicides part Veronica Mars'
Louise Hegarty author of Fair Play 'Effervescently paced and outrageously funny . . .
jaw-dropping' Luke Kennard author of The Transition 'I was totally absorbed . . . amazing
and unlike anything else' Saraid de Silva author of Amma The Bastards aren't afraid of
anything. It's the mid-nineties and in the small shitty coastal town of Vincent four
girls - each hailing from single-mother multi-sibling families form a band: The Bastards.
Friends since they were children they consider themselves 'forgettable girls' - distracted
disillusioned and desperate to escape the fates of their mothers. Winning the Battle of the
Bands is their ticket out - they might not have talent but they can play three chords and
scream until their vocal folds burst out of their throats - and nobody wants it more than them.
But when lead singer Lily Lucid quits and accuses their idolized music teacher of sexual
assault the three remaining girls are left with nothing. They'll do anything to keep their
dream alive even if it means sacrificing school Lily and their mothers. But how far out of
control can they spin before there's no turning back?
