Reviews round-up
The Disappearers
by Marlon James
7 of 8 critics positive
11 reviews: 2 raves, 5 positives, 1 mixed; 3 not stating a verdict in public
What the critics said
“a triumph – bitter, bawdy and ravishingly queer”
The Disappearers by Marlon James review – a scorching exposé of homophobia in Jamaica
“This Masterpiece Is the Novel of the Decade, if Not the Century”
This Masterpiece Is the Novel of the Decade, if Not the Century
“a compelling examination of homophobia”
The Disappearers — Marlon James’s novel of righteous anger
“captures a community fighting to exist despite relentless persecution”
Review: Marlon James’ most talked-about novel has arrived. It's driven by a haunting tragedy
“hits like a tidal wave”
'The Disappearers' is a fiercely personal novel that hits like a tidal wave
“Searing writing that seeks to bear witness to the violent reality of queer Jamaicans.”
The Disappearers: Marlon James’s new novel gives voice to the gay men Jamaica erased
“A horrifying and exhilarating portrayal of men queer and straight”
The Disappearers by Marlon James: A horrifying and exhilarating portrayal of men queer and straight
“a feeling of absolute outrage, when outrage is no more”
Adam Mars-Jones · Like Buying a Bag of Mints: On Marlon James
“The Disappearers” Stages the Pain and Pleasure of Jamaican Gay Life
The brutal truth about what it’s like to be gay in Jamaica
Verdicts are read from each outlet's own headline and summary; quotes are their words, credited and linked. Where a paywalled summary does not give the critic's view, we say so rather than guess. How it works.
