On the surface, a story about someone’s idealism evaporating would seem a challenging read, but far from being dreary and depressing, Loose Fit by Matthias Connor is a highly readable, funny, knowing and warm book.
This is Connor's semi-fictionalised memoir which details how he lurches from a bohemian existence as a skateboarder and raver to becoming a parent, a husband and a nurse in a Midlands prison. Matthias dispenses methadone to people he once knew at school. He argues with prisoners over their Pregabalin dosage then bumps into them post-release as he pushes his pram around the local city centre.
The cover design is by Ben Drury, the groundbreaking designer responsible for much of Mo-wax and Palace Skateboards imagery.
Rough Trade, 178pp, 13cm x 19cm, paperback, 2025