Marlon James Confronts Past in New Novel

Marlon James has released his new novel, "The Disappearers," a 600-page epic that plunges into personal truths and historical violence. The author describes it as "true" and "personal," warning readers of its intense content, which includes graphic depictions of violence and murder. James stated in a recent interview that he seeks challenging and even appalling experiences from literature, not safety.

The novel, spanning two decades and employing five distinct formats, centers on a brutal attack in 1980s Kingston, Jamaica, against gay men rehearsing a play. The survivors of this assault begin to vanish, raising questions about their fate and the nature of justice. James, who grew up gay and closeted in Kingston during periods of societal rejection of homosexuality, draws from his own experiences of fear and bullying.

James's literary career began with "John Crow's Devil" in 2005, followed by "The Book of Night Women" (2009) and the Booker Prize-winning "A Brief History of Seven Killings" (2015). His recent fantasy series, the Dark Star trilogy, has also garnered significant attention.

The personal impetus for "The Disappearers" emerged as James felt more public freedom and less fear about his identity. He felt compelled to revisit the world he once felt suppressed by. The novel was inspired by a youthful rumor of an attack on an AIDS support group or queer safe space, an atrocity that resonates with his personal understanding of what it means to be a target.

Research for the novel involved interviewing nearly 20 people in Kingston to capture the nuances of gay Jamaican life, past and present, uncovering stories of defiance and comedy alongside the expected horrors. James also conducted archival research and immersed himself in the era's music and pop culture. The writing process was emotionally taxing, requiring him to navigate different perspectives, including those of the attackers.

James completed a draft in December 2025, with revisions concluding in July 2026. He hopes the novel will make readers aware of past suffering and the resilience of marginalized communities. "The Disappearers" has been nominated for the 2026 Booker Prize, a recognition James sees as validation that his characters' experiences resonate deeply with others.