The Last Taboo

Description

A hard-hitting novel about two teenagers facing up to the consequences of racial prejudice between asian and black communities, from award-winning author Bali Rai. Simran likes Tyrone from the moment she spots him in the crowd. He's gorgeous and he won't take no for an answer. There's just one problem. . . Tyrone is black and Simran's not sure how her family will react. Even though her parents were a 'love match' and married each other against the wishes of their families, Simran doesn't think they will approve of her having a black boyfriend, and her nightmare uncles and aunts certainly won't. Like her cousin Ruby says, it's the last taboo. But Simran likes Tyrone too much to walk away, so they face the problems their relationship causes together. But it becomes harder than either of them predicted and when the hatred they encounter escalates into violence, with families and friends turning against each other, Simran and Tyrone are forced to question whether they are strong enough to fight for what they believe in.

Bali Rai is from Leicester. As a Politics graduate, if he absolutely had to get a real job, he'd pick journalism. For now, he is happy to write, although he quite misses working behind a bar. However, this is more than made up for by the fact that he can now get out of bed when he likes and that nice people keep asking him to visit them in wonderful places all over Europe. Long may they continue to do so.

A powerful depiction of family history, cultural prejudice and gang culture . . . Hard-hitting -- Lesley Agnew * The Bookseller * Engrossing, funny and savage by turns. The lively dialogyue and the clever use of different perspectives place the novel in a very broad context and the climax is terrifying * The School Librarian * Bali Rai deals with important and controversial issues not because it is fashionable to do so but because he is compelled to. Long may he continue! -- Jean Allen * Carousel * This is brave and committed writing, not always subtle but passionate; it deserves a large audience -- Nicholas Tucker * TES *