In his debut novel, Anthony Shapland explores intricate themes of intimacy and societal shame through the protagonist B's journey in late 1980s South Wales. As he navigates his feelings for M, the older shop owner, their connection unfolds amidst societal prejudices and personal insecurities. The narrative examines the tension between public and private lives, emphasizing the characters' struggles with their identities in a climate of fear surrounding AIDS. Shapland's unique voice and stylistic choices enable him to convey complex emotions in a poignant manner, highlighting the challenge of articulating hidden desires.
Finding a distinctive voice that stands out and speaks clearly is an essential test for a novelist, and it's one that Welsh artist and writer Anthony Shapland effortlessly passes in his impressive debut.
The challenge is to find a language that expresses B and M's inability to articulate their own feelings... Shapland does this with brevity, and a style intimate and impersonal.
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