Although it took a moment to root myself in the stories of the two main characters, I found myself speeding through this novel. The book follows Nia and Shan whose paths intertwine while working in a London restaurant staffed by legal and illegal immigrants, who both struggle with issues of loneliness and anxiety but in very different ways. Learning more about issues of "modern" immigration and the struggle of Tamil people like Shan in our current climate felt particularly rewarding, and reading such a sensitive depiction was at times difficult (to my shame I haven't sought these kinds of stories out in the past) but this is just testament to the skilled writing. I enjoyed the difference in tone when reading the narratives of Nia and Shan, and the pace fluctuated nicely when calm or stressed which helped connect me even in situations when the outcome was quite predictable. Overall this was a very enjoyable book and I will seek out more stories in this vein. I had a lot of questions, shared by the narrators, which were unfortunately not answered with regard to the mysterious character of Tuli. Elements of this person felt unrealistic and I wish I knew more about how certain charitable acts were funded. This was a hole in the plot I couldn't quite shake off and feel more context would have lent legitimacy to parts of the immigration narrative but perhaps I'm just suffering from a lack of practical understanding of these types of journeys. Regardless of these niggles, I would definitely recommend and still find myself thinking of the story after reading.

‘You People’ draws us into the world of biracial second-generation immigrant Nia and recent immigrant Shan. Their story crosses at work, a restaurant filled with other legal and not so legal workers. It’s a complex story but at its heart are two people whose lives are both complicated and enriched by their families. There is a constant anxiousness to the prose in their fear for their loved ones, for their communities and for their half-lives hidden from ‘polite society’. Their stories twist and turn but are always entwined leading to a very satisfying conclusion. This is a thought-provoking read and feels very current.

'You People' captures both mind and heart with its well-drawn characters, each with their own story of, or relationship to, escape, fleeing, loss and integration into a new and different world. Nikita Latwani conveys the dangers, fear and anxiety of migration both for those on the move and those awaiting loved ones. Family ties and the heartache of leaving precious people behind, guilt at being the one who has escaped, and the intricacies of learning to fit in to different cultures, locations and lifestyles are carefully depicted. There is a sharp awareness of how it can be, living a partially hidden life, on a knife-edge of uncertainty, possible prey to deception and betrayal, always in fear of discovery and capture.
Tuli with his dramatic garb and good looks embodies a mysterious, shadowy man who could be an angel, or possibly something more sinister, yet whose support and generosity, even bravery, permeate the story, and the relationship with Nia unfolds with an elegance much appreciated.
A most enjoyable yet challenging read dealing with real world, current challenges and an eyeopener to the plight of migrants, much needed in these times of uncertainty and change.
Bravo.