Book of the Month: The Fathers by John Niven

This August, we are delighted to be able to offer you the chance to win a copy of The Fathers by John Niven, thanks to our friends at Canongate Books. A wry and razor-sharp look at modern fatherhood, this Glasgow-set novel from the author of O Brother finds the lives of two very different dads brought together by unexpected tragedy.

Be in with the chance of winning a copy by answering the question at the bottom of this page by 11.59pm on Sunday 31 August 2025.

All entrants must reside in the UK and full terms and conditions apply. Check out our competitions page to find more giveaways.

About The Fathers by John Niven

In a busy maternity ward, first-time father Dan meets Jada, a dad welcoming his latest child into the world. Dan and Jada come from very different places: both called Glasgow. Dan is a successful TV writer with a townhouse in the West End and a shiny Tesla ready to drive his wife and baby home. Jada is a hustling, small-time criminal who is already planning how to separate Dan from some of the luxuries Jada has never been able to enjoy in his tiny flat in a Brutalist sixties council block.

Both men find that the birth of their sons has fired their ambitions. Dan plans to walk away from his saccharine TV success and finally knuckle down to writing that novel he always felt he had in him. While, for Jada, it's the opportunity for one last get-rich-quick scheme – ripping off a local airport. When a tragedy occurs, their worlds are brought closer than either could ever have imagined – close enough that it could mean destruction for both of them . . .