Bellies. What a novel. I barely know where to begin.

"I wore a dress on the night I first met Ming." With this captivating opening line, Dinan invites readers into the tumultuous romance between Tom and Ming. From the lively energy of a university drag night to the bustling streets of London and beyond, Dinan's narrative sweeps us into a world where love knows no boundaries and self-discovery reigns supreme. Ming's courageous journey of transition and Tom's poignant introspection serve as the beating heart of the story, challenging readers to confront their own preconceptions about love, identity, and the true nature of partnership.

In a literary landscape often lacking authentic queer representation, "Bellies" stands as a beacon of hope. Dinan fearlessly delves into the complexities of queer love and identity, crafting characters who defy stereotypes and embody the messy, glorious reality of human existence. From the tender intimacy between Rob and Tom to Ming's courageous quest for self-acceptance, every page pulsates with the vibrant energy of queer resilience.

At its core, "Bellies" is a celebration of vulnerability and authenticity. Dinan's characters may be flawed and complex, but it's precisely these imperfections that make them so undeniably human. As Tom and Ming navigate the tumultuous waters of love and self-discovery, readers are reminded that true intimacy requires courage, compassion, and a willingness to embrace our own vulnerabilities. I loved the book’s echoing question, "Is it okay to need?" and its consistent answer: “Yes, so long as you communicate your needs.” "Bellies" is a book about being seen, so long as we are brave enough to let ourselves be.

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, "Bellies" serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of love, acceptance, and self-discovery. In my opinion, "Bellies" is the best kind of queer love story: there's no self-immolation, no heartless abandonment, no turning away in fear. It’s not a knife twisting in your gut (I’m looking at you, "A Little Life"). It’s a transformative exploration of desire, intimacy, loneliness, and queer family-making. None of the relationships in this story bend to heteronormativity; the tender intimacy between Rob and Tom nearly crushed me. But Dinan also refuses to portray queer relationships as a utopian refuge from the dread of heteronormativity. "Bellies" honors the discomfort and fear wrought by intimacy and the mess we sometimes make of those feelings. "Bellies" reveals how painful it can be to expose your soft spots. But as the recurring motif of food woven throughout the narrative tells us, we all must eat. We all must feed ourselves. This is nothing to be ashamed of. We simply need to allow our beloveds to assist us in doing so.

Absolute 5/5 ⭐️s

📖 Recommended For: Advocates of LGBTQ+ Rights, Seekers of Authentic Representation, Explorers of Self-Discovery, Critics of Heteronormative Ideals, Fans of André Aciman's Call Me by Your Name and Sally Rooney's Normal People.

🔑 Key Themes: Queer Love and Identity, Self-Acceptance and Self-Expression, Challenging Societal Norms, Intimate Relationships, Family Dynamics, Resilience in the Face of Adversity, The Search for Belonging, Embracing Vulnerability.