This book featured in the 2025 version of the influential and frequently literary-prize-prescient annual Observer Best Debut Novelist feature (last year included Colin Barrett and Kaliane Bradley, 2023
Tom Crewe. Michael Magee and Jacqueline Crooks – and earlier years have featured Natasha Brown, Caleb Azumah Nelson, Douglas Stuart, Sally Rooney, Rebecca Watson, Yara Rodrigues Fowler, JR Thorp Bonnie Garmus, Gail Honeyman among many others).

It was also winner of the 2023 Merky Books New Writers Prize – Merky Books is a PRH imprint set up with Stormzy with a worthy aim to publish “bold voices from untraditional spaces that are inclusive and intersectional .. [and] .. to break down barriers in the publishing industry” and the prize comes with a publishing contract for the unfinished submission (I think its will be the fourth of the winners to be published – with Hafsa Zayyan’s “We Are All Birds of Uganda” and Jyoti Patel’s “The Things That We Lost” the two others I have read.

The author is British-Jamaican, growing up outsider Manchester as the children of lawyers before studying Medicine and earning a Master’s in Clinical and Forensic Psychology at Newcastle University – and worked as a Junior Doctor before (I think) becoming a full time writer after their Prize win.

The author has said of the book that it draws on their “experiences of dating, but also just of like, being a person of colour in quite white spaces, which is something that I think most people of color in the UK experience to some degree, and trying to find the point of human connection in those, like, quite fraught spaces. I guess it’s come from a thought experiment, on how to bridge those gaps and love across things like race and class. And it's just about how, whether or not it’s strong enough to overcome those very structural things because love feels so organic in some ways, but then, now there’s all of this structure around it”. And also that it draws on the cultural dislocation they felt when sent to board at the exclusive Shrewsbury School aged 13.

Their unnamed (which at first seems odd given the copious introductions and namedropping that occurs in the novel but ultimately I think works very effectively to reinforce the novel’s themes) narrator is also of British-Jamaican heritage, also grew up near Manchester and also a student at Newcastle University but from a more working class, single parent background (having grown up largely with their grandmother after the loss of his mother who suffered from mental health struggles and with his father absent apart from one brief visit). At University one of his closest friends is Jazz/Jasmine – fiercely proud and protecting of her Nigerian roots and Blackness and who affectionately calls the narrator “WhiteBoy” due to his inability to follow her Black cultural references.

But he is also friends with Lily Blake – a white girl and wanabee phorographer from a very rich family – and the first part of the novel is in his post University Summer where she persuades him to join her family at their chateaux in France. There he meets Lily’s father, her mother Annie (who turns out to be a jazz singer that the narrator and his Grandma loved and via whose records he taught himself music), Lily’s rather troubled younger sister Dot (who later identifies as non-binary) and her charismatically attractive brother Felix a promising actor.

This first 40% or so of the novel takes place over some days of that Summer and features a series of family traditions around Lily’s birthday, excessive privilege and an ostentatious Summer party which includes as a guest a high profile Black Conservative MP, Lily’s University friends (who rather amusingly Jazz calls “Jack Wills Anonymous”) and various other rich people. Throughout the section the mutual attraction between the narrator and Felix grows and culminates in a romantic lakeside picnic and sex session.

There is no question that this section, written like the rest of a novel in a present tense which I rarely appreciate in literary fiction, does convey a sense of decadence and family tensions as well as Summer and sexual heat – but I have to say it was not to my tastes or interest and I felt that the author’s ideas of being a person of colour in white spaces was rather buried under the extreme privilege conveyed in which all but a very small percentage (if not quite the 0.001% the narrator says to Jazz) would feel rather lost.

The remainder of the novel is set back in the UK – Felix and the narrator have come out as an item (at least to Felix’s family – very specifically not to anyone else much to the narrator’s growing unease and frustration) and Felix’s acting career is about to take off (first via a play and then into film).

And the novel takes off at the same time.

There are still scenes of privilege – a country estate shooting at the estate of family friends (an estate which happens to be very close to where the narrator grew up) for example – but they are much more deliberately and cleverly now set against other, often deliberately contrasting scenes:

More detail on the narrator’s homelife and the harrowing health issues in his family’s background

A visit to the Notting Hill Carnival in which the narrator and his black friends, trying to protest a police killing in the US are caught up in a heavy handed police response and then the near fatal beating of one of their number – a protest which the Conservative MP turns to her own advantage

The resulting protests and actions that Jazz and her friends take – and to which the narrator is reluctant to be drawn

Increasing tensions within the Blake family even as they (as well as the publicists/PR handlers for Felix and to a lesser extent Lily) start closing ranks against the narrator and the shadow he might cast over their reaction

And the novel ends with two bravura scenes: a protest at an exhibit of Lily’s photos of the Carnival which brilliant re-purposes the Conservative politician’s speech; and a chilling final showdown between the narrator and Annie with a brilliant last line.

For me this was a fascinating journey from a novel I really did not rate – to one I thought was excellent and I think a real contender for literary prize recognition.

I really love stories that explore wealth and class in this big-house-dysfunctional-family type of way, and was immediately hooked here by the gorgeous French summer setting. The story then takes these themes so much further, with a commentary on race and sexuality too that are all seamlessly woven into the plot, with a very likeable main character, and very believable characters more generally (though you definitely don't like most of them!). The writing is absolutely brilliant and had me gripped until about 80% when I felt we were nearing the end but not quite getting there in a succinct way. For me that's why it's not quite 5* but I still came away from the novel having enjoyed it – for a debut this was a really impressive read and I'd definitely pick up something new from him.

Excellent debut from Hunter, placing a young, working class black man in an environment of (white) privilege - first on a sun drenched family holiday with a university friend, and subsequently as the lover of his friend’s brother. With the advantages that are opened up through being part of this milieu, albeit given grudgingly, I was reminded of The Line of Beauty (far more than Saltburn, which seems a rather shallow comparison). A toxic combination of class, race and sexuality means this never feels like a book with a happy ending but it’s immensely rewarding. Hunter’s use of language is evocatively descriptive - you can smell the expensive sun cream, or the dinginess of a flat after a sex and drugs binge. Fantastic debut, looking forward to seeing more from them.

This is a tale about Race, class, status, and sexuality. It is a book about knowing who our friends are, knowing who our family are, and knowing when friends become family. This is a story about what we are willing to sacrifice for love, what we are willing to do for love, and those pieces of ourselves that we choose to keep hidden for the sake of love. Take yourself on a journey into the lives of the wealthy, well connected, entitled, told through the eyes of a poorer Black man....Read it!

This is a powerful read, with stirring commentary around class, sexuality, race, and privilege, that in no way detracts from the grace of the prose. A real triumph, and a timely exploration of modern day relationship dynamics. Escapist, of course, thanks to its glorious Riviera setting, but nonetheless incredible hard-hitting.

DNF 10%

Unfortuantely the writing style of this book just isn't for me - I got frustrated with the lack of immersion and disliked the characters (not in a fun way either)

I found it intriguing that so many other reviewers also were reminded of Saltburn while reading this book, particularly in the first half. Glamorous, dark and suspenseful - this book is beautifully written. Highly recommended.

Going into this I was unsure what to expect. But I struggled throughout. I wasn't invested in the story or characters. It was missing that little something to intrigue me.

I once came across some writing advice that said to "write with all the senses". And that's what William Rayfet Hunter does throughout this wonderful, sensuous, sexy book. This writer is a major new talent - can't wait to see what they do next.

Thank you to Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Sunstruck by William Rayfet Hunter.

This gave Saltburn vibes in the best way possible, with more of an underlying depth to it that had me hooked.

A vivid story exploring the ways in which we can lose ourselves to love, with devastating consequences.

I've been thinking about this book a lot since I finished it. The first half of the book gave such strong saltburn vibes that I kept expecting something awful to happen to the characters - the story starts with our main character (only ever referred to as "white boy") spending a dreamlike, toasty summer with his unbelievably rich, old-money friend Lily and her family. He quickly falls for her brother, Felix (saltburn again, see?), and the two flirt and dance around each other for the first half of the book. The stay in the Chateau is tainted with microaggressions against white boy, and subtle jokes and stabs, and really weird family traditions that always keep him "othered" from the family and their rich friends. I enjoyed the first half of the book, and the flashbacks to whiteboys childhood were a good contrast and explained some of his behavior in the present timeline. His grandma is the best.

Sunstruck by William Rayfet Hunter is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that explores complex themes of identity, privilege, and societal expectations. Hunter's prose is poetic and evocative, drawing readers into a richly atmospheric world. The novel's introspective style invites deep reflection on the human condition, making it both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating.

The narrative is layered with subtle observations about power dynamics and social hierarchies, offering a nuanced commentary on contemporary society. Hunter masterfully balances lyrical language with raw emotional honesty, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.

Really interesting study of power, race and love. Or is it love.

2 people from different backgrounds, meet and begin a tempestuous relationship. Not a happy love story and quite typical on these current times who comes off worse.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A young black man joins a wealthy family at their luxurious mansion during the Summer, invited there by his University friend - Lily, the daughter. However, it is Felix that the man is drawn to - the older, mysterious brother. But the reality of living in their world soon begins to take a toll and their bond is harshly tested.

I really responded to the way this was written - the style was evocative and I felt carried along with each word. A love story at its heart, however the book is so much more than that - exploring social status, race and being vulnerable when we fall in love. I wanted to give it more stars but the ending really annoyed me!

I struggled with this book for many reasons. The nature of what it talks about feels deeply uncomfortable. A young man enters the luxurious world of class, privilege, and wealth, which is controlled by the mother Annie. The young man falls for her son, Felix, his life is then connected with the family—his job and chances for a musical scholarship. Felix, in turn, is becoming a well-known actor and seems ashamed to show the world about his relationship.

Without providing a spoiler, and this is perhaps where I struggled, this shows the power that class, wealth and privilege can have over people and how people can be used as toys to be discarded when finished.

It's hard to read what it explores, but I recommend it.

Starting during a gorgeous summer in France, 'Sunstruck' invites us into a life of luxury. But, when taking off the rose tinted glasses, it reveals a story much more nuanced, tackling race, manipulation and power. Oozing toxicity and drama, we follow our unnamed main character as he sinks deeper into a family so far removed from his own and pretty much the rest of society.

Wasn't so keen on this initially, thought it was leaning to close to 'Saltburn' which I honestly still think. The opening paragraph is gearing you up for something sinister which yes, it was, but not in the way it leads you to think. It pushes for a murderous undertone which doesn't really go along with the rest of the book and sets some false impressions in my eyes.

The relationships within this book are so toxic on so many levels. The amount of power the whole family holds - not just Felix - over the main character is scary and I wish this was emphasised slightly more from the start instead of going for the 'something bad is going to happen / whodunnit' vibes. I have never felt more sorry for a character in my life. Even with the unreliable narrations of someone so enraptured by Felix, I found it very hard to like him or forgive him for any of his actions though out this book.

The struggle with race within this book was really prominent and I love how diverse it was especially in the second half. I loved the main characters' Grandma and how her lines were written within her dialect - it made her feel so real. There was a lot of conflict for the main character and how he identified which made it harder to watch him do everything to appease this rich white family, an inner circle that no matter how hard he tried, he would never be truly good enough for. Jazz was a perfect character in this situation, always steering him to making the right choices and not letting him forget his identity.

This book has probably my favourite ever closing line and reading those final pages was so exhilarating - perfect ending lines no faults at all. So satisfyingly infuriating.

This is a bit long and ramble-y but I have so many thoughts and there is sooo much to discuss about this book !!!

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc !!

**All opinions are my own !!**

I am afraid that I struggled with this story. I found the characters hard to relate to and I found my mind wandering a lot. Maybe I was reading it at a time that I needed something a bit more upbeat but I am afraid that it just did not resonate with me.

This is a good story. Unfortunately, like I should have expected, it wasn't the right book for me, wrong timing. Too depressing for me at the moment, in a way that I find hard to shake. Look, I like miserable characters and stories (with a bit of a laugh too), but I need a sense of wonder. Books like this one doesn't give you that, so it's my fault, really.

'Sunstruck' is a skillfully written novel, accomplishing what it promised. Exactly so, in fact. If you know a little bit about the structure and beats of such novels, you can eaasily see where the story is going. If I had moments where my attention started to wander away, making me jump ahead a little, the book still held a sliver of my attention, which is already a feat for a book set in a contemporary era and no plot going on beside the main character's journey. The disgression into his past that pop ups in the middle of the present narrative where a lot at times, but I see how they added to the whole story. In the end, I couldn't get invested in the characters and their struggle, there was too much distance for me to care, but it is more to do with me than with the story.

Still, the commentary on wealth, privilege and love was interesting, despite not being done in a way that convinced me.

I don't think many words can actually describe how I felt about this book, but in short - I absolutely loved it. The character development and relationship narration is beyond anything I've read in a long time. I can certainly see why fans of CMBYN would love this, but the incorporation of racism and classism took this novel to a new level.

Each chapter had me engrossed and many times throughout the book I was laughing, gasping, and feeling so much for the main character.

I would 100% recommend this book and want to say thank you to William Rayfet Hunter for writing such a masterpiece.

Initially this felt too closely reminiscent to Saltburn but the plot is excellent, gripping and I really enjoyed it