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Cover of The Intended
Literary Fiction· Guyana

The Intended

by David Dabydeen
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1991English
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About This Book

David Dabydeen's The Intended (1991) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. David Dabydeen's 'The Intended' is a compelling exploration of the immigrant experience in Britain. The novel follows a young Guyanese boy navigating the challenges of identity and belonging in a foreign land. It is praised for its insightful portrayal of cultural displacement and the search for self amidst societal pressures. Themes of immigration, identity, belonging run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorDavid Dabydeen
Published1991
Country of Origin🇬🇾 Guyana
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780436200940
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇬🇾 Guyana

This book is part of Guyana's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Guyana →

Editorial Assessment

David Dabydeen published The Intended in 1991, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from Guyana. The book's treatment of immigration, identity, belonging, cultural displacement accounts for much of its enduring reputation. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Its aggregate editorial score of 30/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. What distinguishes The Intended is how it handles its central concerns — immigration, identity, belonging, cultural displacement — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. The Intended reflects David Dabydeen's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Guyana's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

BBC Big Read
notable · global
20030
✍️
About the Author
David Dabydeen
Guyana
View Author →

David Dabydeen is a Guyana author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Intended about?

David Dabydeen's 'The Intended' is a compelling exploration of the immigrant experience in Britain. The novel follows a young Guyanese boy navigating the challenges of identity and belonging in a foreign land. It is praised for its insightful portrayal of cultural displacement and the search for self amidst societal pressures.

Who wrote The Intended?

The Intended was written by David Dabydeen, from Guyana. First published in 1991.

What awards has The Intended won?

The Intended has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Intended worth reading?

The Intended is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in immigration, identity, belonging.

Where can I buy The Intended?

You can buy The Intended on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Intended?

The Intended is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Intended from?

The Intended originates from Guyana's literary tradition. Explore more books from Guyana on our country page.

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