Dua’s Monthly Read for June 2026
“I’ve long admired Kae Tempest for his body of work, which includes plays, fiction, essays, poetry, five studio albums and electrifying spoken word performances. Watching him move fluidly between forms is thrilling.
“Having Spent Life Seeking, his groundbreaking new novel, contains something of all of them. The story follows Rothko, fresh out of a long stint in prison, returning to his hometown and witnessing how much – and how little – has changed. It’s the start of a journey that demands a reckoning with his past and, ultimately, with himself.
“The novel takes an unflinching look at family trauma, addiction, gender identity, homophobia, love and desire. It’s all there – the messiness of life, the hurt we cause each other and, finally, the ultimate redemption – when we learn to forgive ourselves.
“It's also a celebration of the power of a new pronoun. And believe me, when Rothko dances happily sober at a queer rave, you’ll wish you were right there with him.
“With Kae’s trademark tenderness and empathy, his love for these characters shines through the pages. Trust me, you will love them, too.”
Content around this book will launch 9 June.
Available on Bookshop.org and Waterstones
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