Reviews

Initially, I had an issue getting into the book as the initial chapters were written in the characters' dialect, so potentially, this might have been better if reading via audible. Once I got to Jesse's part, the reading itself became easier, although not necessarily easier in terms of the content. Jessie is a young black man brought up as a Jehovah witness. He is disowned due to being gay and an incident with another member of his church. He finds himself outcast from his church and family moving to London, being an artist and making a living by being a gay prostitute. The sex scenes are graphic. SPOILER I thought the relationship between him and Owen was beautifully developed and loved how they came back to each other. It's a challenging read, but ultimately, it makes you think about the sex industry and issues relating to acceptance, race, racism and religious bigotry. It's a thought-provoking and intensive interesting read

Content Warnings

absolute_bookery's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Delving into some very complex and difficult topics but there was so much graphic sex I couldn't really click with is sadly! I loved some parts but it wasn't the easiest listen to be honest...

candlegeorge's review against another edition

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The sex scenes were way too graphic for me

katherinejayne's review

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dark emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This book isn’t for prudes! A fantastically open and raw book.

chrishham's review against another edition

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challenging reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Possibly one of my favourite books of all time I think

Content Warnings

booksgurrsandpurrs's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Semi-autobiographical, Jamaican-British author Paul Mendez sets the stage in early 2000's Britain. Jesse, a Jehovah's witness, grapples with his sexual identity, racism - not just from society in general, but specifically within his household. Forced out on his own as a teenager, Jesse seeks intimacy in prostitution and art. Jesse's timeline toggles back and forth within the early 2000's in a way that I found unnecessary as the characters and story are riveting enough on their own. Bookended is the story of Norman Alonso, migrating from Jamaica to Britain with his wife in tow under the pretenses of establishing a better life. The reality of 1960's Britain shatters those dreams.

Mendez's book grapples with homophobia, racism, sexual and race identity, and generational trauma. Mendez's knack for character development and dialogue made the world he designed feel lived in.

stellaa9's review

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challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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