Beyond the Throne: Epic Journeys, Enduring Friendships, and Surprising Tales

Nairn’s memoir is more than a behind-the-scenes look at his work on the HBO blockbuster series Game of Thrones. It’s also a poignant look at the life of an outsider seeking peace and acceptance. Best known as GOT’s heroic giant Hodor, Nairn grew up amid the violent conflict in Northern Ireland. After his father abandoned the family, he found solace in music and books. His towering height (he would grow to 6’ 10”) led to ridicule. He came out as gay at the age of 14 and, later, moved away to explore this part of his identity. He would find acceptance among the gay community, first as a drag performer named “Revvlon Miguel” and through a successful Belfast disc jockey career. On GOT, he discovers new ways of communicating through performance and grows friendships with some of his castmates. Nairn’s memoir is chock-full of episodes in which violence and peace intermingle, but that won’t deter readers’ enjoyment of this extraordinary book.