Palaver by Bryan Washington

Set between Tokyo, Houston, and Jamaica, Palaver follows a young man working as an English tutor in Tokyo who spends his nights at a gay bar and maintains a complicated relationship with a married man. Estranged from his family, he is surprised when his mother arrives unannounced after ten years, prompting tense, candid encounters—often mediated by his cat, Taro. As they share meals, conversations, and a trip to Nara, both confront past hurts and reassess what “home” and family might mean. The novel quietly explores forgiveness, identity, and the fragile bonds that reconnect people.

The 10567th greatest book of all time


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Published
2025
Nationality
Unknown
Length
Medium
Pages
336
Original Language
English
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Alternate Titles
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