In the tradition of Hollinghurst, Baldwin and Bret Easton Ellis
George is too British for the States and far too American for the United Kingdom. As a dual national living in the suffocating heat of Manhattan, he navigates a world of high-society expectations and fleeting romances while wrestling with a perpetual sense of dislocation. His journey from the rain-slicked streets of the Lower East Side to the glossy, toxic allure of Los Angeles is a raw exploration of class, identity, and the elusive nature of belonging.
When a disastrous foray into the Californian social scene leaves him reeling, George must confront the boundaries of his own self-worth. It is only through the steadfast presence of Jon, a grounding force in a city of transient connections, that George begins to view his queerness not as a source of anxiety, but as a formidable superpower.
Set against the backdrop of elite rowing clubs and aspirational society, this unapologetic narrative follows a young man as he finally learns to stop hiding behind his former mistakes. From the quiet intensity of an oarsome outing on the water to the complex dynamics of modern queer life, George discovers that home is not a place on a map but the serenity found in being truly seen.
A writer and neoclassical composer, Alexander Paul Burton unifies his work across fiction, philosophy, and music through a sustained focus on migration, identity, and lived experience. His writing ranges from the philosophical to the absurd, drawing on mythological and fantastical frameworks, alongside literary gay romance that prioritises emotional truth and authenticity. His work has been covered in the national press.He studied at St Mary's University, Twickenham, and is based in Toronto, where he lives with his partner and their corgi. He holds Swiss, Canadian, and British citizenship.Burton is a member of the Authors Guild. His works are catalogued under ISNI 0000 0005 3018 6907 and ORCID 0009-0009-7526-9753.
As a former rower, ultra-marathon runner, and cyclist, I try to bring both real and imagined experiences to life, drawing readers into a world that not everyone gets to be part of or understand.For me, rowing isn't just a sport; it's a lifestyle and a world of its own, one that can be hard to access. I lived in London for ten years along the River Thames and was a member of several boat clubs during my time on the water.I like to tell stories about relationships, friendships, and groups of people who find themselves falling in love, spending time together, and building bonds that last for decades. Some parts are imagined, and I've changed details-such as rowing clubs and names-but many of the experiences are real.Not all of my days were fueled by champagne at fancy bars; I also worked in the non-profit sector while completing my master's degree. It was a busy period of my life, but London proved to be more welcoming and varied than anyone could imagine.Enjoy my work. Enjoy my world!
