Mayflies

*Mayflies* by Andrew O’Hagan is a poignant and reflective novel that explores themes of friendship, love, and the passage of time. The story follows two friends, James and Tully, who grew up in a small Scottish town in the 1980s. The novel is divided into two parts: the first captures the vibrant energy of their youth, filled with music, rebellion, and a deep bond between the two. As they navigate their early adulthood, the novel transitions to a more somber reflection on the impact of time, as James, now an adult, looks back on their friendship in the face of Tully’s terminal illness. *Mayflies* is a moving meditation on the fleeting nature of life, the intensity of youthful friendships, and the bittersweet realization of how much can change in a short span of time. O’Hagan blends nostalgia with grief, creating a heartfelt narrative that resonates with anyone who has experienced the complexity of friendship and loss. The book is both a celebration of life and an exploration of how we deal with its inevitable endings.