Ossians, The Johnstone Doug

Doug Johnstone's debut novel drops you into the lives of the Ossian family — a sprawling, dysfunctional Scottish clan held together by secrets, resentment, and the kind of love that only shows up at funerals. When patriarch Tom Ossian dies, his children gather for the wake, and old wounds split open. There's drink, dark humor, and the slow unraveling of family mythology as everyone tries to figure out who they really are when the center doesn't hold. Johnstone writes with sharp observation and real empathy for people who make terrible choices. It's messy, raw, and deeply human — the kind of book that feels like eavesdropping on a family you're glad isn't yours, but can't look away from. Perfect for fans of Irvine Welsh's quieter moments or anyone who loves a good dysfunctional family drama with Scottish grit.