Tony Hogan Bought Me an Ice-Cream Float Before He Stole My Ma

Hudson’s debut explores the cycle of poverty, seen through the eyes of young Janie Ryan, as she scrapes her way through a tempestuous childhood. Janie is born in 1980s Scotland, her family quickly tagging her the latest in a succession of Aberdeen fishwives, all of whom are known for their fiery tempers. Days after Janie’s birth, in fact, the rage of Iris, her mother, leaves the pair homeless. Iris and Janie scramble for government-assisted housing in some less-than-desirable corners of Britain. As a child, Janie tries to be hopeful, but her mother’s attraction to drug- and alcohol-fueled relationships puts a better life out of reach. Soon the more traditional pressures of growing up—boys, friends, fitting in—add to Janie’s burden, putting her at risk of taking up her mother’s bad habits. Hudson’s novel boasts comfortable prose—neither flamboyant nor spare—guided by a sharp eye. At times, her story is too consistently dire, but the author nevertheless sustains the reader’s interest. (Feb.)