In 1980s Britain, being gay isn’t just dangerous, it’s unspeakable.
Under the shadow of Section 28, a law banning the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools, silence is enforced and survival means staying invisible. For Matt, a quiet teen just trying to understand himself, this world is suffocating.
But when he forms unlikely friendships with Porter and Rupert, cracks begin to appear in the wall of silence. Together they endure the cruelty of bullies, the indifference of teachers, and a system determined to pretend they don’t exist.
Amid fear and loneliness, they discover the quiet power of connection, and learn that love and anger can be both weapons and lifelines.
Why the Tree is Bent is a raw, emotional LGBTQ+ coming-of-age novella about adolescence, identity, and resilience under oppression. Set during Section 28’s chilling grip on 1980s Britain, Damian Jay Clay delivers an unforgettable portrait of teenagers finding courage where the world offers none.
Perfect for fans of It’s a Sin, The Inexplicable Logic of My Life, and Swimming in the Dark.