"With The Nowhere Man, Markandaya wrote a British state of the nation novel whose acuteness and depth of understanding, unsung at the time, resounds eerily today." —Paris Review "It’s great that this lost gem has been rediscovered, and at a time when Markandaya’s acute delineation of displacement, alienation, and the scapegoating of immigrants is so pertinent once again. Perhaps for a decade or two, the novel might have seemed ‘dated’ to many, falsely believing that we inhabit a ‘post-racial’ world. It is, in fact, a novel that will endure not only because of the depth of understanding it brings about the immigrant experience, but also because Markandaya has, in Srinivanas, created a remarkable, indelible character." —Monica Ali, author, Brick Lane "It’s a travesty that this novel has been erased from British and international literary history. It is just as relevant today as when it was published—perhaps even more so. It has absolutely vital things to say about England and Englishness, race and racism, identity, belonging and prejudice. It struck many chords as I read it. Anyone who loves literature and cares about diversity in our cultural life—and is perturbed by what is happening in our country today—should read it immediately." —Bidisha, journalist "A book for our times written half a century ago is a fair definition of a classic. This brilliant if unjustly forgotten London novel combines the moral clarity of To Kill A Mockingbird with Markandaya’s own understanding that words are all it takes to set a society ablaze." —Maya Jaggi, journalist "A compelling, delicate portrayal of a brutalising time. A love story between a couple who defy caricature confronted by hatred rooted in stereotype. Powerful, human, engaging and appalling." —Gary Younge, journalist "The Nowhere Man was Kamala Markandaya’s favourite of all her works—no doubt because the story featured something she observed frequently in England, her adopted country: racism. By addressing that issue frontally, she paved the way for novelists like Salman Rushdie and Nadeem Aslam. The novel is a richly rewarding and compelling narrative—I will leave you to discover for yourself its hellish ending." —Charles R. Larson
"A lost classic now finally getting the attention it deserves. . . . More relevant than ever. . . . The book is beautifully written, full of sharp, biting prose." —Buzz Magazine
"Markandaya’s writing observes but does not preach; it leads readers gently to conclusions without forcing them upon them. . . . Perhaps The Nowhere Man’s lack of critical success at the time of its original publication suggests that it was as much ahead of its time as it was a part of it. Whatever the reason, it should now be welcomed into the postcolonial canon. The Nowhere Man is a beautiful piece of fiction; an intelligent analysis of human character, which unpicks racism at its root." —London Magazine
