I'm New Here

Sean, a Taiwanese-British photographer, travels to Taipei seeking oblivion but finds alienation instead. He meets a mysterious older man, which leads to a friendship that blurs the lines between reality and illusion. As events unfold, Sean's mind spirals, and he's not sure what's left of him. Im New Here is a thrilling and hallucinatory debut by Ian Russell-Hsieh, appealing to fans of Boy Parts and Luster.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2024
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

After being fired from his job and dumped by his girlfriend, Taiwanese-British photographer Sean travels to Taipei in search of oblivion. However, his quest for self-destruction takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a mysterious older man who introduces him to a world of uncertainty and danger.

Lost in the neon heat of his parents' homeland, Sean finds himself alienated and disconnected from his heritage. He spends his days sleeping feverishly in a bleak hotel bedroom, alternating between casual sex and a mediocre strip club. Despite his expectations, Taiwan fails to provide the solace he seeks, leaving him feeling even more distant and resentful of his roots.

One fateful encounter with the older man sets Sean on a path that challenges his perception of reality. As he delves deeper into this newfound friendship, Sean's grip on reality begins to loosen, and the demands of the past and the present start to take their toll. The line between what is real and what is not becomes increasingly blurred, and Sean finds himself trapped in a web of lies and deceit.

As events unfold, Sean's mind spirals out of control, and he becomes unsure of who he is and what he truly desires. The novel appeals to fans of Boy Parts and Luster, showcasing Ian Russell-Hsieh's thrilling and hallucinatory debut. Through his masterful use of unreliable narration, Russell-Hsieh positions himself as one of the most exciting new authors in the UK.

Im New Here is a captivating exploration of identity, loss, and the consequences of our choices. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of a writer to transport readers to new and uncharted territories. Whether you are a fan of psychological thrillers or simply seeking a compelling and thought-provoking read, this novel is not to be missed.

Weight: 256g
Dimension: 135 x 216 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398522886