The Chainman

"The Chainman" by Bill Baxter is a gritty, evocative coming-of-age novel set against the turbulent backdrop of mid-20th-century Belfast. Billy, an apprentice shipyard electrician, is caught between loyalty to his wild, reckless friend Spam and his own yearning for a gentler life, symbolized by his blossoming relationship with Sarah. The narrative explores themes of friendship, violence, sectarianism, young love, guilt, and class identity. Told with brutal honesty and vivid prose, this novel plunges readers into a world of backstreet brawls, shipyard politics, and the tender vulnerability of first love.

Perfect for readers who enjoy Irish historical fiction, character-driven drama, and stories that grapple with identity, morality, and personal transformation, The Chainman is both a gripping and deeply emotional read.