Bellies


Bellies is the 2023 debut novel of British-Malaysian writer Nicola Dinan.

Premise

Set in London, Bellies follows the story of Ming and Tom, two lovers who meet at a drag party, both dressed as women. Ming begins to transition and accept herself as a trans woman. Tom, a gay man, is less attracted to his partner as she transitions and Ming ends the relationship. Ming writes a play about the breakup, angering Tom.

Reception

The novel was positively reviewed in The Guardian, The Times, and The Skinny. In December 2022, it was announced that Element Pictures plans to create an adaptation of the novel. The book was nominated for a 2023 Lambda Literary Award for transgender fiction.