Dirty White Boy by Clayton Littlewood

It’s incredibly difficult to come up with something someone else hasn’t said before in praise of these pages nestling between the glossy pink covers. It’s noticeable at any rate! It’s also an insight into a part of London I knew nothing about, and into the lives of the people who live there or pass by.

I was one of the passers-by and after reading how badly the shop was doing around the time I stepped over the threshold, I felt slightly guilty for only being a visitor — one of those who dropped in without buying. Maybe I should have bought my other half a thong but while I am sure Clayton or Jorge would have been most informative had I inquired with regards to size or style, I didn’t like to impose. It’s Clayton’s fault, anyway — he said “pop in anytime” and I’m rather glad I did. I got to see him in his little chair by the window. I can picture the setting. It makes the reading of this book more personal.

However, while I’m left feeling I’m rather clued in as when friends ask “Does my bum look big in this?” I am nothing but honest, I feel I am lacking in a supply of Lucozade, and I simply have to remember that if Clayton ever asks my size, I must lie to him. (You need to read the book to gather the relevant references).

There really isn’t something new I can say about this book that started out as a simple blog. It’s well-written and thoroughly entertaining but it’s also something more than that. Ultimately, the book works because it’s real. It’s human and, therefore, although Soho has a large gay community this shows us there is as much diversity there as anywhere on the planet. It’s rather true that as different as we all are, we’re also very much the same and in that, this book can speak to anyone of any sexuality. Therefore, it’s heartbreaking, heart-warming, hysterically funny, romantic, and timely. It contains a cast of characters so outrageous that if this were a work of fiction, reviewers would no doubt call it implausible and dismiss it. Yet it shows people as a collective medley, at their most odious worst and their most astonishing best. All the excellent reviews are well deserved and I hope Clay keeps writing. Purchase it here.