The True True Story of Raja The Gullible (and his mother) National Book Award

A National Book Award winner that stops you in your tracks — the kind of novel you pick up, read the first page, and suddenly realize an hour has passed.

The True True Story of Raja The Gullible (and his mother) is a sweeping, deeply human work of historical fiction that weaves together identity, family, and the quiet courage it takes to live honestly in a world that doesn’t always make room for you. Rich with LGBTQ+ themes and told with remarkable tenderness, this is a story that lingers long after the final page.

What makes this novel so extraordinary is its balance — it is at once intimate and epic, heartbreaking and quietly funny. Raja is a character you’ll carry with you. His mother, equally unforgettable. Together, their story becomes something rare: a book that feels both specific and utterly universal.

• National Book Award winner — a landmark achievement in contemporary fiction
• A bold, beautifully rendered LGBTQ+ narrative
• Historical fiction with real emotional depth and staying power
• A new release that’s already generating serious buzz

This is exactly the kind of book we love to hand-sell here at the shop — the kind where we say, “Trust us on this one.” It would nestle perfectly into a beach bag for a walk along the Marginal Way, or settle in beautifully on your nightstand for a few quiet evenings in.

A truly special read. We’re glad it found its way to our shelves.