Northern Boy: A big Bollywood dream. A small-town chance.

The List of Suspicious Things is a joyful, defiant, and dazzling story of Rafi Aziz, a Northern boy dreaming of becoming a Bollywood star. It follows him from boyhood to adulthood, navigating family and identity, and the changing eras of ABBA, skinheads, and urbanization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2024
Publisher: Unbound

"The List of Suspicious Things" by Jennie Godfrey is a captivating and heartwarming story that follows the journey of Rafi Aziz, a Northern boy with a dream of becoming a Bollywood star. Set in the suburbs of Blackburn in 1981, Rafi's family moved from Pakistan to provide him with the best opportunities. However, his true passion lies in pursuing his dream of becoming a Bollywood star.

The novel is filled with humor, defiance, and dazzling moments that showcase Rafi's unique personality and musical talent. As he grows up, Rafi faces various challenges and obstacles, including the expectations of his family and the changing social landscape of the 1980s.

Despite these challenges, Rafi remains determined to follow his heart and pursue his dream. He immerses himself in Bollywood culture, learning dance and music and performing in local talent shows. He also meets Nisha, a fellow Bollywood enthusiast, who becomes his closest confidante and support system.

As Rafi prepares to fly home from Australia for his best friend's wedding, he realizes that returning to Blackburn is the ultimate test of his self-acceptance and his ability to be true to himself. He must navigate the complex dynamics of family and identity, as well as the changing eras of ABBA, skinheads, and urbanization.

Through his journey, Rafi learns to embrace his uniqueness and to celebrate his cultural heritage. He realizes that his dreams are not limited by his background or the expectations of others, but by his own determination and passion.

"The List of Suspicious Things" is a powerful and relatable story that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. It explores the themes of family, identity, and pursuing one's dreams, and reminds us that no matter where we come from, we have the power to create our own destinies.

In conclusion, "The List of Suspicious Things" by Jennie Godfrey is a must-read novel that will leave you laughing, crying, and nodding your head in recognition. Rafi's journey is a testament to the power of self-acceptance, determination, and the pursuit of one's dreams. It is a story that will inspire and uplift readers, reminding us that we all have the potential to achieve greatness, no matter what our background may be.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 200 x 130 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800183148