Stag

Recommended by John Sutherland on Guardian Unlimited's Summer Reading 2004. 'I put the glass down and immediately wanted more. I had another mouthful, then another and then another. A good feeling rippled through me.' Rob Purcell drinks a lot. But it's not as if he's one of those crazy old drunks who sleep in doorways. He's got a job, a flat and, until last weekend, had a steady relationship. But his girlfriend, Emma, has had enough. She's come second to the pub once too often. The...
More Description

Recommended by John Sutherland on Guardian Unlimited's Summer Reading 2004. 'I put the glass down and immediately wanted more. I had another mouthful, then another and then another. A good feeling rippled through me.' Rob Purcell drinks a lot. But it's not as if he's one of those crazy old drunks who sleep in doorways. He's got a job, a flat and, until last weekend, had a steady relationship. But his girlfriend, Emma, has had enough. She's come second to the pub once too often. The break-up hits Rob hard, but at least he can look forward to the weekend. One of his best mates is getting married, and the stag night will be a chance to get away from it all and relive his student days. Soon, Rob is drinking in earnest and making disastrous attempts to impress the unfortunate women who cross his path. But as the night wears on, old rivalries bubble to the surface as Rob becomes confused and angry, and everything starts to go wrong. Facing his friends the next day is much harder than usual, and Rob is soon dealing with more than just a hangover