Borderline Fiction

by Owusu, Derek | Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945)
Published 21/05/2026 by Canongate Books in the United Kingdom
Paperback | 304 pages
128 x 198 x 21mm | 208g

FROM GRANTA BEST OF YOUNG BRITISH NOVELIST AND WINNER OF THE DESMOND ELLIOT PRIZE SHORTLISTED FOR THE DYLAN THOMAS PRIZE 2026'Disarmingly poignant' Guardian'Rare and compulsive' CANDICE CARTY-WILLIAMS'Unflinching' DAMON GALGUT'Wise, tender and funny' CAMILLA GRUDOVA'A true masterpiece' JASON OKUNDAYE'Glaringly fresh and true' COURTTIA NEWLAND'Full of originality and raw, pure, gutsy talent' CHRISTIE WATSONLoneliness means you don't have to disappoint anyone until you develop the habit of talking to yourselfAt nineteen, Marcus is young and in love . . . again. When his latest crush, Adwoa, starts showing him true affection, Marcus is ready to reconsider his lifestyle - the drugs, the casual encounters. At least for a little while.

Now, before he knows it, Marcus is twenty-five. And history risks repeating itself.

Told through two parallel narratives - one past, one present - Borderline Fiction is a highly original and deeply affecting contemporary tale of what it means to be a young black man navigating today's world.