A review by booksgurrsandpurrs
Rainbow Milk by Paul Mendez

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.