Reconnecting Rainbows Press will publish Boy Bitten by a Lizard, the first and only fiction novel by the late writer and social commentator Jeremy Seabrook (1939–2024).

Completed shortly before his death in November 2024, the novel marks the 50th book by Seabrook, whose long career spanned journalism, social commentary, theatre, and memoir.

Boy Bitten by a Lizard follows Philip, a young man who leaves his provincial home for London and becomes captivated by a Caravaggio painting in the National Gallery. An encounter there opens his eyes to possibilities beyond his working-class roots. With Anil, Philip finds friendship and deepening love amid the racism, class barriers, and constraints of queer life in 1980s Britain. When Anil begins to consider transitioning, they travel to India together, confronting questions of family, belonging, and identity.

The novel explores class, gender, migration, and love through an intimate story of self-discovery in a world that struggles to recognise difference.

Shubha Chakho, LGBTQI+ activist and researcher, said: “Jeremy’s style of writing is so evocative. The exploration of class, gender and sexuality, of migration, race, and familial bonds in an interconnected and honest way, is deeply powerful. So many joyous moments – evenings listening to Verdi and Dusty Springfield, the sly pleasure of gossip, the rebellious thrill of wearing eyeliner on the first day of school.”

Seabrook’s writing career began with The Underprivileged in 1967 and went on to span dozens of books exploring inequality, migration, sexuality, and environmental concerns in Britain and India. He was also a playwright and a regular columnist for publications including The Guardian, The Times, Race & Class, and New Internationalist.

Derek Hooper, Seabrook’s widower, said: “Jeremy was a storyteller who used the lives of ordinary people to illuminate bigger social and political truths. He defied categorisation throughout his career. Boy Bitten by a Lizard overturns ideas about identity, gender, class and culture while celebrating love and enduring relationships. It is a moving story of hope, and one I know Jeremy would have been proud to see published.”

Boy Bitten by a Lizard is available for pre-order now and is due for release on March 25th 2026. There is a launch event in Hampstead, London, on Saturday 28th March to celebrate Jeremy, this book, and his legacy.