Rainbow Milk (Hardback)

'When did you last read a novel about a young, black, gay, Jehovah Witness man from Wolverhampton who flees his community to make his way in London as a prostitute? This might be a debut, but Mendez is an exciting, accomplished and daring storyteller with a great ear for dialogue. Graphic Erotica Alert! Don't read this book if you like your fiction cosy and middle-of-the-road' - Bernardine Evaristo

'This debut cements Mendez as a stunning new voice in fiction. Semi-autobiographical, this gripping coming-of-age story set in the Black Country in the 1950s follows 19-year-old Jesse as he comes to terms with his racial and sexual identity against the backdrop of his repressive religious upbringing . . . An original addition to the queer fiction canon' - Cosmopolitan 

'Exquisite descriptions of the body, of longing and lust, set against the recent history of the nation. Proof once more there can be no discussion of English history that isn't also a discussion of blackness, queerness and class' - Andrew McMillan

'Sensuous and thrillingly well written' - The Observer

'Eye-poppingly frank, urgent and fresh' - Suzi Feay, The Financial Times

'Moving and memorable, Rainbow Milk heralds Mendez as an original new voice in queer fiction' - AnOther Magazine

'This book is marvellous. It is beautifully written, balancing fine observation and pathos, sexuality and high culture, struggle with triumph. It's pacy, witty and gentle. I loved every minute of reading this, and I am excited for its future readers' - Okechukwu Nzelu, author of The Private Joys of Nnenna Maloney

'Mendez's powerful coming-of-age story tackles subjects from immigration and religion to sex and race as nineteen-year-old Jesse struggles to make sense of the world' - The i