Set in the author's hometown of Hamilton, Scotland, Cringe follows the defining experiences of shame throughout the lives of three women, depicting the impacts of these moments on their characters and friendship. Ruth, Kirsty and Fiona have had a lifetime of shameful and embarrassing moments. Some painfully public, others privately devastating, but each one shaping their identities and influencing every decision they make. Told through vignettes of these cringe-inducing memories, the three friends' interconnected narratives shift in and out of focus from youth to adulthood and beyond, exposing the ripple effects of shame throughout women's lives. A poignant and darkly funny conversation starter of a novel that will do for women's shame and embarrassment what Lisa Taddeo's Three Women did for female sexuality and desire. Perfect for readers of Sheena Patel's I'm A Fan, Emma Jane Unsworth's Adults and Kirstin Innes's Scabby Queen. PRAISE FOR SAMANTHA DOOEY-MILES 'Dooey-Miles' satirical black comedy is a lively and darkly funny novel that critiques a real social problem, but you'd want to keep an eye on anyone who claimed to identify with its protagonist' - Herald 'This dark satire perfectly captures the resentment and fury that too many landlords instil in their tenants' - Stylist Magazine 'Pitch-black perfection - Samantha Dooey-Miles is an evil genius' - Kirstin Innes 'An original debut with a very strong voice that offers a fresh and funny take on the housing crisis, class and female rage' - Elspeth Wilson This novel contains depictions of alcohol misuse, abusive relationships, disordered eating, suicide and sexual assault.