We are Made of Diamond Stuff

This novel explores the surreal experiences of a migrant working in a rundown hotel, delving into themes of identity and resilience. We Are Made of Diamond Stuff offers a unique perspective.

In We Are Made of Diamond Stuff, Isabel Waidner presents a vivid and surreal narrative that challenges the norms of contemporary fiction. The story revolves around an unnamed narrator, reminiscent of Eleven from Stranger Things, who is a 36-year-old migrant navigating life in a dilapidated hotel on the Isle of Wight. The world around them is anything but ordinary, as polar bears leap from t-shirts and Reeboks spring to life, creating a whimsical yet thought-provoking atmosphere.

The protagonist, alongside their best friend Shae, confronts a series of surreal challenges, from Ukip activists to shape-shifting entities and tyrannical employers. As they strive to maintain their job while preparing for the Life in the UK test, the narrative explores themes of identity, resilience, and the complexities of working-class queer experiences. Waidner's work transcends traditional avant-garde literature, offering a fresh perspective that resonates with the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities.

Set against a backdrop of austerity and societal decline, We Are Made of Diamond Stuff is a celebration of resistance and creativity. It invites readers to reflect on the power of friendship and ingenuity in the face of adversity. Through its boundary-defying storytelling, the novel reimagines the possibilities of fiction, making it a significant contribution to the literary landscape.