Chris McQueer’s debut novel, Hermit, is one of the most acclaimed Scottish books of 2025, dealing with the world of incels, domestic abuse, toxic masculinity, and online radicalisation in a believable and empathetic manner. Ahead of his appearance at this year’s Govanhill Book Festival, SNACK caught up with Chris to learn more about Hermit and the inspirations behind it.
Could you give us a summary of Hermit?
Hermit is the story of a mother and son, Fiona and Jamie, who are both hermits in their own ways. Fiona has become isolated after leaving Jamie’s dad, who was abusive to her, while Jamie has been drawn down the incel rabbit hole online. I wanted to show how easy it is for people to become lonely and isolated while also showing how difficult it is to get out of it. I’m aware it all sounds very doom and gloom, but I promise there’s at least a couple of laughs in amongst it all.
Why was this a story you wanted to tell?
I didn’t know the book was going to be about incels and domestic abuse when I started. I had the characters but didn’t quite have a plot for them. I came across incels online for the first time in around 2019 and knew that’d be an interesting topic to cover, especially the effect a young man getting into it would have on his family and friends.
After writing acclaimed short story collections HINGS and HWFG, how did you approach the longer form?
I was filled with hubris. I thought to myself, ‘What is a novel if not just a long short story?’ But I was so wrong – it’s a completely different art form. I found it insanely difficult to adapt to it. I was so used to getting in and out with a short story, getting right to the point as quickly as possible with no filler. I soon enjoyed having the room to breathe you get with a novel and getting right into the characters’ heads.
In terms of style, it’s basically split into ‘Jamie’ and ‘Fiona’ chapters. How did these two characters come about?
They’re loosely based on people in my own life, with a bit of myself in both of them too, I’d say. I wanted to give readers characters they could relate to and root for, as well be frustrated and even angry with.
It’s a difficult book to read at times. Was it hard to write, in terms of looking into the darker corners of human nature?
Aye, definitely. I was writing the book mostly in the wee hours of the morning and found myself living like Jamie: always up late, bleary-eyed, knackered, and not looking after myself. This was good in terms of getting into his way of thinking and his emotions but not great for my own wellbeing. Finishing this book was a weight off my shoulders.
Did you have to do research?
A fair bit of research into incels and some into domestic violence too. None of it enjoyable. I spent a lot of time on incel forums, trying to pick up the lingo and see what kind of men and boys were washing up into these spaces. Laura Bates’ Men Who Hate Women was a huge help as well.
Now that it’s been out for a while, how do you appraise how the novel has been received?
I’ve been really chuffed. The reviews have been brilliant and it’s allowed me to have really interesting conversations with readers. With my first two books, it felt like a lot of my interviews were quite laid back and I didn’t have to answer any challenging questions. With Hermit, though, it’s been amazing to talk about big issues and go deeper into the craft of writing a novel.
Has writing Hermit changed you?
I think it’s made me look inward a lot and reflect on my own feelings around misogyny and masculinity. What kind of man would I say I am? How do I make sure I’m a good role model to the boys and young men in my life? Things like this help you grow as a person, I’d say. Asking yourself uncomfortable questions is a good way to get to know yourself better and I think writing this book helped me to do that.
You’re going to be appearing at this year’s Govanhill Book Festival in conversation with Peter Mohan. Are you looking forward to that, and do you enjoy book events and festivals?
I really am. I’ve known Peter online for a few years and I’m buzzing to get the chance to sit down with him. He’s a great writer and the way he talks about Govanhill is magic. I’ve always been a bit of a hermit myself so the idea of being out and about and socialising isn’t particularly appealing, but I get a wee buzz being in front of a crowd. I enjoy book festivals and events but equally I’m looking forward to getting them all out of the way and staying in for the foreseeable.
Hermit is published by Wildfire Books. Available here.
Chris McQueer will be in conversation with Peter Mohan at Govanhill Book Festival on 9th August. Tickets here.
He will also be at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, in conversation with Rachelle Atalla, on 22nd August. Tickets here.
