Nobody's Empire

A Novel

De: Stuart Murdoch

Narrado por: Stuart Murdoch

One of the great lyricists of our time, the lead singer and songwriter for the iconic Glasgow-based band Belle and Sebastian, pens a sensitive and intimate account—his debut novel based on his own youthful experiences—of dark days leading to light and a coming of age through music.

It’s the early 1990s in Glasgow, Scotland, and Stephen has emerged from a lengthy hospital stay. Diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, a little-understood disease which has robbed him of any prospects of work, friends, or independent living, he moves slowly toward new goals and meets others like him, including Richard, a friend from school, and Carrie, a young woman bedridden for five years. Feeling isolated and alone, they form their own support group, and try to get by with as little money and pain as possible. Since he’s been ill, Stephen never feels warm, inspiring Carrie to affectionately call him “The World’s Coldest Boy.” As the world seems to care less for them, the trio start to care less about fitting in with the world.

Stephen soon discovers he has a talent for writing songs. He awakens to the possibility of a spiritual life that transcends the everyday, and feels a calling for a place that might as well be on the other end of the universe let alone the world. Buoyed by tentative hope, he and Richard leave Glasgow in search of a cure in the mythic warmth and sun of California. As they float between hostels, sofas, and park benches, they discover the trip is life-changing in ways neither expected, and Stephen embraces a new-world reinvention that will change his life forever.

Melodic and captivating, filled with graceful notes, melancholic chords, and witty, thoughtful riffs on life's infinite possibilities and curiosities, Nobody’s Empire is a warm and wonderful coming-of-age novel, imbued with Stuart Murdoch's magical lyricism.

©2024 Stuart Murdoch (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers

Captivating story

Read by the author, this novel, with dry humor and Scottish wit, is a coming of age story of a young man finding his own way in the world. Speckled with 90’s indie music references, the story follows Stephen and his best friends as they navigate the slippery terrain of chronic fatigue syndrome. At times sad, but most times uplifting, I laughed and rooted for Stephen in his journey to find his purpose and to keep hold of his ever dissipating energy. Character depictions and imagery were spot on.

Reality of ME

As someone with severe ME who was a musician before I became severe, I was moved by this account by Murdoch by what a less severe form other disease is like. Murdoch’s performance itself, feels like a gift, knowing that it took energy to read and share this account with us. ME can go into remission and can go through periods of lesser and greater impact on the individual experiencing it. I think this is clear in the telling of the book, though I do wonder how it would be perceived for someone reading from the outside with no knowledge of ME. That side, the tenderness, and the truth of the lived experience as someone trying to find themselves a new amidst this awful disease resonated. Thank you for this gift to the ME community, Stuart Murdoch.

I love when authors read their own novels.

An engaging listen about coming of age, friendship, and finding your way forward because of, and in spite of yourself. A must listen for Belle and Sebastian fans.

delightful

I've been a Belle and Sebastian fan for coming up on 20 years. it was really cool listening to Stuart's book and hearing him read it. it does start off a touch slow, but it really draws you in in a very Charming way.