"Powerful and provocative this is a beautifully original and immersive journey into a young man’s life at the ages of 19 and 25. "
Oh-so smart and provocative, yet deeply compassionate and thoughtful, this is one of those novels that I know will stay with me. For its perspective and originality, this novel has been chosen as both a Liz Pick of the Month and LoveReading Star Book. Award-winning author Derek Owusu paints a vivid picture of a young black British male at two stages of his life, 19 and 25, as he lives through the complications of self-understanding and growth, mental health, and relationships.
It has an extraordinary pin-point focus, the two timeframes feel as different as can be and yet painfully familiar. Language is used to great effect, highlighting the contrast between the two ages yet allowing the turbulence to flow through all the chapters. There is a raw vulnerability on display here that is both beautiful and painful to experience.
Utterly compelling, and exquisitely written, Borderline Fiction is a powerful and immersive read.
FROM GRANTA BEST OF YOUNG BRITISH NOVELIST AND WINNER OF THE DESMOND ELLIOT PRIZE SHORTLISTED FOR THE DYLAN THOMAS PRIZE 2026'Disarmingly poignant' Guardian'Rare and compulsive' CANDICE CARTY-WILLIAMS'Unflinching' DAMON GALGUT'Wise, tender and funny' CAMILLA GRUDOVA'A true masterpiece' JASON OKUNDAYE'Glaringly fresh and true' COURTTIA NEWLAND'Full of originality and raw, pure, gutsy talent' CHRISTIE WATSONLoneliness means you don't have to disappoint anyone until you develop the habit of talking to yourselfAt nineteen, Marcus is young and in love . . . again. When his latest crush, Adwoa, starts showing him true affection, Marcus is ready to reconsider his lifestyle - the drugs, the casual encounters. At least for a little while.Now, before he knows it, Marcus is twenty-five. And history risks repeating itself.Told through two parallel narratives - one past, one present - Borderline Fiction is a highly original and deeply affecting contemporary tale of what it means to be a young black man navigating today's world.
| Primary Genre | Modern and Contemporary Fiction |
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FROM GRANTA BEST OF YOUNG BRITISH NOVELIST AND WINNER OF THE DESMOND ELLIOT PRIZE SHORTLISTED FOR THE DYLAN THOMAS PRIZE 2026'Disarmingly poignant' Guardian'Rare and compulsive' CANDICE CARTY-WILLIAMS'Unflinching' DAMON GALGUT'Wise, tender and funny' CAMILLA GRUDOVA'A true masterpiece' JASON OKUNDAYE'Glaringly fresh and true' COURTTIA NEWLAND'Full of originality and raw, pure, gutsy talent' CHRISTIE WATSONLoneliness means you don't have to disappoint anyone until you develop the habit of talking to yourselfAt nineteen, Marcus is young and in love . . . again. When his latest crush, Adwoa, starts showing him true affection, Marcus is ready to reconsider his lifestyle - the drugs, the casual encounters.
Borderline Fiction features in the following genres: Book Club Recommendations, Liz Robinson's Picks of the Month, Recommendations, Star Books, Literary Fiction, Modern and Contemporary Fiction, Sharing Diverse Voices, Modern and Contemporary Fiction, Modern and Contemporary Fiction, Narrative theme: Social issues, Narrative theme: Diversity, equality, inclusion, Narrative theme: Coming of age
Paperback, Hardback. £9.89, down from the £10.99 cover price. In Stock.
Borderline Fiction was written by Derek Owusu and published by Canongate an imprint of Canongate Books
Borderline Fiction has 293 pages
£9.89, reduced from £10.99. In Stock.
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