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Literary Fiction· Guyana

The Intended

by David Dabydeen
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1991English
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About This Book

David Dabydeen's The Intended (1991) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. David Dabydeen's 'The Intended' is a compelling exploration of the immigrant experience in Britain. The novel follows a young Guyanese boy navigating the challenges of identity and belonging in a foreign land. It is praised for its insightful portrayal of cultural displacement and the search for self amidst societal pressures. Themes of immigration, identity, belonging run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorDavid Dabydeen
Published1991
Country of Origin🇬🇾 Guyana
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780436200940
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇬🇾 Guyana

This book is part of Guyana's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Guyana →

Editorial Assessment

David Dabydeen's 'The Intended' masterfully explores the complexities of identity and colonial legacy through the lens of a young Indo-Guyanese man grappling with his heritage. Dabydeen’s poignant prose and rich imagery illuminate the tensions between personal aspiration and cultural expectation, making the novel a profound commentary on the lingering effects of colonialism. By intertwining history with intimate personal narratives, Dabydeen crafts a compelling tale that resonates with contemporary discussions of race and belonging.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

BBC Big Read
notable · global
20030
✍️
About the Author
David Dabydeen
Guyana
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David Dabydeen is a Guyana author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Intended about?

David Dabydeen's 'The Intended' is a compelling exploration of the immigrant experience in Britain. The novel follows a young Guyanese boy navigating the challenges of identity and belonging in a foreign land. It is praised for its insightful portrayal of cultural displacement and the search for self amidst societal pressures.

Who wrote The Intended?

The Intended was written by David Dabydeen, from Guyana. First published in 1991.

What awards has The Intended won?

The Intended has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Intended worth reading?

The Intended is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in immigration, identity, belonging.

Where can I buy The Intended?

You can buy The Intended on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Intended?

The Intended is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Intended from?

The Intended originates from Guyana's literary tradition. Explore more books from Guyana on our country page.

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