Bellies: 'An engrossing, perceptive novel of the now' Sharlene Teo

Elliot Page, author of Pageboy Bellies, praises Nicola Dinan as a literary talent and a gimlet-eyed cartographer of the human heart. Sharlene Teo calls it thoughtful, seductive, and engrossing, and Bryan Washington calls it a classic. The book follows Tom and Ming as they face shifts in their relationship after Ming transitions, confronting the different shapes their lives have taken and asking if it's worth losing a part of themselves to become who they are.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2023
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Elliot Page, the author of "Pageboy Bellies," has praised Nicola Dinan as a genuine literary talent, describing her as a gimlet-eyed cartographer of the human heart. Sharlene Teo, the author of "Ponti," has also praised the book, calling it thoughtful, seductive, and entirely engrossing. "Bellies" is already considered a classic, with Bryan Washington, the author of "Memorial" and "Lot," praising it as well.

The story begins as a typical boy meets boy scenario, with Tom buying Ming a drink at a university drag night. Ming is a charming young playwright, and their connection is instant. Tom finds himself deeply and desperately drawn into Ming's orbit, and on the cusp of graduation, he has already mapped out their future together. However, shortly after they move to London to start their next chapter, Ming announces her intention to transition.

From London to Kuala Lumpur, New York to Cologne, we follow Tom and Ming as they face shifts in their relationship in the wake of Ming's transition. Through a spiral of unforeseen crises, some personal, some professional, and some life-altering, Tom and Ming are forced to confront the vastly different shapes their lives have taken since graduating. They must also answer the essential question: is it worth losing a part of yourself to become who you are?

"Bellies" is a powerful exploration of identity, love, and the complexities of transitioning. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of the human connection. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt lost or uncertain in their own identity.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 146 x 225 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857529237