Enjoy the first and only fiction novel written by Jeremy Seabrook, the late legend of queer social literature.

A young man 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. But, when Anil begins to consider transitioning, they travel to India together. There they face the complexities of family, belonging, and changing relationships.

Boy Bitten by a Lizard is a multi-layered story of self-discovery and survival in a world that never quite sees you as you are.

“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.”

Shubha Chakho
LGBTQI+ ally, activist, and researcher. India