Glasgow-born author Douglas Stuart has reflected on his upbringing and his latest novel, *John of John*, which is set to be published in the UK next week. Stuart, who gained international recognition when his debut novel, *Shuggie Bain*, won the Booker Prize in 2020 after being rejected by 44 publishers, has turned his attention from urban Glasgow to the rural Outer Hebrides in his third book.

During the seven years before his debut was published, Stuart relocated from New York City to the Outer Hebrides, spending time on the island of Vatersay and traveling to Harris. Over several trips totaling 12 weeks, he engaged with local residents, learning about their lives and traditions, including psalm singing and sheep rearing. These experiences shaped *John of John*, which explores themes of love, sexuality, class, faith, and inheritance against the backdrop of a small, isolated island community.

The novel follows John-Calum (Cal) Macleod, an art graduate called home from Edinburgh by his father John—a sheep farmer, weaver, and Presbyterian preacher—as Cal’s grandmother Ella approaches the end of her life. The narrative weaves together the complex relationships between family and community members in Harris, a place where many feel they cannot fully be themselves. Stuart said the story evolved from an initial focus on the prodigal son to centering on the “elder” generation—those who remained in rural areas while younger people often seek to leave.

Stuart’s previous works, including *Shuggie Bain* and *Young Mungo* (published in 2022 but written before his debut), also deal with difficult social issues, from addiction and grief to societal misconceptions about safety and masculinity. However, *John of John* marks a shift by addressing the depopulation of rural Scotland and highlighting lives rarely depicted in contemporary literature.

Speaking about his connection to the story, Stuart acknowledged that while the novel draws less directly on his personal experience than his earlier work, it resonates with “inevitability” due to gaps in his own family history. Stuart lost his father in childhood and his mother at age 16, an experience he describes as leaving him physically homeless and bereft. Themes of generational obligation and legacy run through the novel and reflect questions Stuart has grappled with throughout his life.

Despite his literary success, Stuart candidly discussed continuing tensions related to his working-class background and the challenges he has faced in literary circles. He contrasted his experience with that of middle-class writers who, he said, have easier access to education and cultural capital. Stuart also noted the enduring marginalization of Scottish vernacular literature, citing the initial critical rejection of James Kelman, the first Scottish Booker winner.

On wider social issues, Stuart commented on the lingering economic and infrastructural disparities across the United Kingdom. He observed that although digital connectivity has improved mobility, many communities, such as Barrow-in-Furness and parts of Glasgow, still struggle with inadequate resources, questioning priorities in public investment.

Looking ahead, Stuart suggested that *John of John* might be the final novel in a loosely connected thematic series focused on Scotland. He indicated an interest in exploring new subjects and settings after nearly two decades of writing about Glasgow and rural Scottish life.

*John of John* is published in the UK by Picador and in the US by Grove Atlantic. The book has already been selected for Oprah Winfrey’s book club.