Rosewater: the debut novel from Liv Little

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Frank, sexy, and tender, this beautifully rendered story explores love's possibilities and limits. With humor and emotional depth, it captivates readers from start to finish. The debut novelist brings black queer lives, loves, and longings to the forefront, showcasing an effervescent and irresistible voice. This book is full of energy, wit, and excitement, making it a standout debut that is both free-spirited and amazing. Celebrated as a tribute to a complex and romantic queer love affair, it effortlessly captures the uncertainties of our times. Set in South London, the story follows Elsie, a fiercely independent woman who, at 28, is already feeling the weight of the world. By day, she writes tender poetry; by night, she works long hours at a neighborhood gay bar for minimum wage. Estranged from her family and facing constant job rejections, Elsie grapples with the fear of never earning a living from her passion. Yet, she clings to hope that her circumstances will improve. As she navigates panic attacks and a complicated relationship with her spirited co-worker Bea, Elsie's world begins to unravel. Her attempts to reconnect with her best friend Juliet only add to her struggles. Can Elsie find stability and avoid falling through the cracks?