The cult classic novel that inspired John Crowley's film of the same name, starring Andrew Garfield in the BAFTA-winning title role

WITH A NEW INTRODUCTION BY COLIN WALSH, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF KALA

'A compelling narrative, a beautifully structured piece of writing, and a thought-provoking novel of ideas' Sarah Waters

His new name is Jack. To his new friends, he is a good guy with occasional flashes of unexpected violence. To his new girlfriend, he is strangely inexperienced and unreachable. To his case worker, he's a victim of the system and of media-driven hysteria.

And to himself, Jack is on permanent trial: most of his life has been spent in juvenile institutions, guilty of a monstrous childhood crime. Searing and heartfelt, Boy A is a devastating exploration of guilt, retribution and the blurred lines between fact and fabrication.

'A fine and moving debut novel... compulsively readable... a rare treat' - Independent
'A unique, important read' - Guardian

Details

ISBN13: 9781805227748
Format: Paperback / softback
Number of Pages: 272
Edition: Main - Serpent's Tail Classics
Publication Date: 06 Oct 2026
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd
Publication City, Country: London, United Kingdom
Dimensions (cm): 19.6(H)x12.8(L)x2.4(W)228
Weight (gm): 228

Author Biography

Jonathan Trigell is an award-winning author whose first novel Boy A won the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize and the Waverton Award, and was adapted into the BAFTA-nominated film of the same name.

Reviews

A fine and moving debut novel ... compulsively readable ... a rare treat * Independent *
A genuine page-turner * Big Issue *
A unique, important read * Guardian *
Searing, heartfelt and excellent * Buzz Magazine *
A shocker of a first novel ... Extraordinary * The New York Times *