Our Evenings, A Novel By Alan Hollinghurst

From the internationally acclaimed winner of the Booker Prize, Alan Hollinghurst presents Our Evenings, a profound exploration of modern England through the eyes of Dave Win, a biracial boy navigating a world fraught with privilege and prejudice. At thirteen, Dave earns a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school, thrusting him into a realm of elite society where new possibilities emerge, yet envy and hostility from his affluent classmates loom large.

As he journeys through the 1960s and beyond, Dave grapples with his identity as a working-class brown child in a predominantly white institution. He experiences the complexities of burgeoning queer culture, falling in love for the first time, and pursuing his passion for acting within an experimental theater company. Despite his talent, he often finds himself overshadowed, forcing him to confront the illusory nature of acceptance and belonging.

Hollinghurst masterfully weaves a narrative that highlights Dave's struggles and triumphs, capturing the intricacies of race, class, and sexuality. As an older man, he finds solace in a late-in-life marriage, discovering unexpected joy and security amid the remnants of his past. Our Evenings is a poignant reflection on the beauty and pain of existence, inviting readers to witness a life profoundly observed—a journey through love, loss, and the intricate tapestry of human experience that shapes modern England.📚❤️