Impress acquires novel on gender dysphoria

Impress Books is to publish He’s Gone by Alex Clare, a book which considers the debate around gender dysphoria.

The book follows Detective Inspector Roger Bailley who returns to work as Robyn Bailley. When three-year-old Ben Chivers is snatched from a shopping centre on her first day back at work, Robyn has to find Ben – and herself – as she deals with the reactions of her police colleagues, the media and her own daughter. The book poses the question: “How do you find a missing child when his mother doesn’t believe you have the right to even exist?”

Rachel Singleton, editorial manager at Impress Books, said: “This novel is being published at a perfect time as people become more open to discussing the topic of gender dysphoria. Alex has captured the sensitive nature of this debate and I very much look forward to reading the rest of DI Robyn Bailley’s journey.”

Clare said: “To see He’s Gone published is a dream come true. I started writing the story in 2013 after watching parliament debate the Equal Marriage Act. Some of the opinions horrified me, people being defined and condemned by a single aspect of their life. The character of Robyn Bailley formed quickly in my mind and I’ve really enjoyed telling her story and what she has to face to live a normal life.”

Impress, which specialises in discovering unpublished writers, acquired the book straight from the author.

Impress will publish He's Gone in August 2016 priced at £8.99.