Author Paul Mendez - Rainbow Milk

Shelf Life

My name is Nicole and I'm a very proud member of the 'Rainbow Milk' fan club. Everyone is welcome and there is only one rule: you must love this stunning debut novel with your whole heart, soul and mind. In this episode, I have the incredible privilege of chatting with Paul Mendez, the author of 'Rainbow Milk.' Published in April by the amazing team at Dialogue Books, this book - an Observer 2020 Top 10 Debut - is one of the most beautiful books ever written and my favourite of 2020. Oh, and it's just been longlisted for the 2020 Gordon Burn Prize. If you've read Paul's stunning novel, you'll definitely understand why there are countless glowing reviews, from readers, writers and journalists, and why 'Rainbow Milk' is THE book of the year. 'Rainbow Milk' has two central characters: Norman Alonso and Jesse McCarthy. The first section - set in the Black Country in the 1950s - features Norman and his wife, Claudette, who moved to Britain from Jamaica with the Windrush Generation, excited at the prospect of a new life in Britain. Three years later, now with two young children, Norman and Claudette face unexpected racism and heartbreaking illness while working incredibly hard to build the life they dreamed of and so deserve. Fast forward to 2001 and the book continues with Jesse who is hoping and searching for answers outside of his repressive family and Jehovah's Witness upbringing. And these answers might just be in London, where Jesse moves in the hope of starting over. As a young Black queer man in London, Jesse welcomes his new sexual and emotional freedoms, but through exploration and experience, sometimes finds himself at a loss for balance and stability. The unexpected challenges and often heartbreaking surprises that Jesse faces on the road to true connection and love are so beautifully written that you'll ache in places you never knew existed. This book is everything and an absolute masterpiece written by an extraordinary Black queer author. I loved chatting with Paul about his own experiences, the importance of honest and raw sex scenes, the book's beautiful characters and why we must always honour the stories of the Windrush Generation. I really hope you love this episode as much as I do! Buy Paul's book here: https://www.foyles.co.uk/witem/fiction-poetry/rainbow-milk-an-observer-2020-top-10,paul-mendez-9780349700595