by Tash Aw
First published 2025
Jay travels to his late grandfather's farm with his family after inheriting the deteriorating property. The once productive land now suffers from diseased trees and drought. His father Jack puts him to work in whatever fields remain viable. During the sweltering days of labor, Jay becomes attracted to Chuan, the farm manager's son. The two boys share only one similarity despite their many differences. Their connection grows stronger as they work the land together and venture into town. Meanwhile, Jay's relatives struggle with their own disappointments inside the farmhouse. The family begins to fracture under pressure. External economic and social changes threaten to make their rural way of life impossible to sustain. Jay must navigate both his emerging feelings for Chuan and his family's uncertain future as they face forces beyond their control.
Genres: literary-fiction, coming-of-age, contemporary, gay-fiction, family-drama
Vibes: atmospheric, bittersweet, intimate, introspective, lyrical, melancholic
Tropes: class-differences, coming-of-age, first-love, found-family
Setting: grandfather's farm, rural farmland
Period: contemporary
282 pages · Paperback · Fourth Estate (Harper Collins)