This debut cements Mendez as a stunning new voice in fiction. Semi-autobiographical, this gripping coming-of-age story set in the Black Country in the 1950s follows 19-year-old Jesse as he comes to terms with his racial and sexual identity against the backdrop of his repressive religious upbringing . . . An original addition to the queer fiction canon – CosmopolitanExquisite descriptions of the body, of longing and lust, set against the recent history of the nation. Proof once more there can be no discussion of English history that isn’t also a discussion of blackness, queerness and class – Andrew McMillanSensuous and thrillingly well written – ObserverEye-poppingly frank, urgent and fresh – Suzi Feay, Financial TimesMoving and memorable, Rainbow Milk heralds Mendez as an original new voice in queer fiction – AnOther Magazine