Distortion by Sierra Ernesto Xavier
Sensually charged and ambiguously romantic this novel examines how a courageous relationship can be formed and fought for by two unnamed characters. She has scoliosis. He has facial disfigurement. Both have experienced cruelty and rejection as they move through the world. They wrestle for a private shared space, away from a world that has condemned them for being in their bodies, to try and forge a relationship, almost losing themselves when they confront their personal demons and challenge the distorted perception thrust upon them. From the physical landscape of their bodies to the visceral unravelling, marred by fear, they dig deep to comprehend the obstacles in their way, discovering a new set of truths which emerge from their bodies as they move closer together.