Review of Sunstruck by William Rayfet Hunter

Saltburn meets Caleb Azumah Nelson in this sharply observed novel on class, race, opulence and the insanely rich. Invited to stay in a grand chateaux in France by his university friend Lily, the unnamed narrator is welcomed into the Blake family for a week in the scorching sun. Lily’s brother Felix intrigues him. He’s handsome and mysterious, and he just might be interested in him too. At the garden party, the drinks are flowing just as much as the rumours. There’s whispers of scandals and secrets and it’s a life so far away from his small life living with his grandmother.

On their return to London, the Blakes continue their lavish lifestyle. Now romantically involved with Felix, the narrator must learn how to navigate this relationship with every barrier in his way. He underestimated how much power the Blake family has. They can make anything happen, and anything disappear. 

A striking and all consuming novel on race and class set within the Black Lives Matter movement. A story of summer romance met with the stone hard truth of power struggles.

Reviewed by Victoria

Published on 15/05/25 by Merky Books

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