• author: GB Ralph
• published: 2020

This is fun. I’ve been getting caught up in YA comics recently, Heartstopper in particular, and this has a very similar vibe. At 59 pages it’s classified as a novella, and it’s a quick read, but pretty enjoyable for it. Arthur is 25, and his social life is split between doing bingo at the old people’s home, unwelcome visits by the well-meaning local busybody and going out with his mates. Everyone wants to matchmake, but Arthur just wants to come out and the right time never seems to present itself. One day after passing out at a driving range with his mates he’s rescued by Gabriel, who takes a shine to him, but will they get together? Is Gabriel even gay? What will Richard and Jared say? There are no surprises here, although Ralph gently navigates his readers through issues about the timing of coming out for someone who’s comfortable in himself about his sexual orientation. The novella isn’t issues heavy though, this is character, character, character (which many writers forget), and it’s Book 1 so I’m hopeful for more from author G B Ralph – the dialogue is sharp, the pacing is brisk and there’s plenty of heart.

GA Ralph’s opening novella is a wonderful, quick read, with great dialogue, huge heart for only 59 pages and intensely likeable lead characters. Fans (like me) of Alice Oseman’s work will want more!