Julie Hamill

Julie Hamill’s Life and Soul trilogy - comprising Frank, Jackie, and June - is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and resilience within a working-class Scottish family across three generations. Set in Airdrie during the 1980s and 1990s, the novels delve into the complexities of grief, identity, and the enduring bonds that tie families together.

Frank introduces us to a recently widowed father navigating life without his beloved wife, June, capturing the nuances of sorrow and the challenge of moving forward.

Jackie shifts focus to Frank’s daughter, who, as a single mother, unearths family secrets while supporting her friend Daniel through his own personal struggles, reflecting on themes of acceptance and self-discovery.

June concludes the trilogy by focusing on young June, Frank’s granddaughter, as she grows up amidst lingering memories of her namesake grandmother, highlighting the intergenerational impact of love and loss.

Throughout the series, Hamill weaves in rich musical references and cultural touchstones, creating an authentic backdrop that enhances the emotional depth of the characters' journeys. The trilogy stands as a heartfelt testament to the enduring spirit of ordinary lives touched by extraordinary emotions.

Hamill has received praise for her strong narrative voice and emotional complexity. Author Ian Rankin described the reads as 'understated gems'.

Hamill has also written a non-fiction compendium of interviews linked to the singer Morrissey, '15 Minutes With You'.