Rainbow Milk is an exceptionally bold debut that confronts head-on a range of powerful themes such as the conflict that exists between coming to terms with one's sexuality and the condemnation of religion.

The story follows former boxer Norman who travels from Jamaica to the Black Country, Britain, during the 1950s. He like the many hundreds of Caribbean migrants who moved to Britain seeks to better the life of his family but instead finds rampant racism and intolerance. Fast forward several years and we are introduced to the young Black teen Jesse, who after being disfellowshipped from his religion turns to a life in sex work. Both perspectives offer a crucial look into the reality of what it means to be a Black man in Britain, both during the height of the British industrial revolution and today.

I loved the depth and honesty of this story but it felt a bit laggy towards the end. Still, I thought it was a remarkable debut with an altogether positive and stirring message.

tw: homophobia, child abuse/neglect, sexual abuse, threats of violence, graphic language