Paul Burston was born in York, raised in South Wales and now lives in London.
His books include the critically-acclaimed novels 'Shameless' (shortlisted for the State of Britain Award 2001, reprinted 2009), 'Star People' (2006, reprinted 2009, 2010), 'Lovers and Losers' (shortlisted for the Stonewall Award 2007, reprinted twice in 2009) and his latest 'The Gay Divorcee' (2009, reprinted 2009 and 2010).
Paul Burston is also a curator at the London Literature Festival and host of "London's peerless gay literay salon", Polari, both at the Southbank Centre.
His hobbies include diving and DJing.
Visit his website at www.paulburston.com or join him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/paulburston
Reviews of 'The Gay Divorcee':
'Immensely enjoyably' - Julian Clary
'A great read - I read it in one day' - Lorraine Kelly
'F**king fabulous' - Paul O'Grady
'Wonderful, wicked and witty, laugh-out-loud funny. Burston's best yet. Loved it!' - Marc Almond
'An entertaining novel that, like most relationships, is bittersweet and heart-warming. A new angle on chick lit. Loved it! Five stars' - Now magazine
'Bitchy, funny, acute and moving. A triumph' - Suzanne Moore
'A fascinating portrait of Soho in the noughties: vivid, charming and romantic' - Susie Boyt
'Accomplished entertainment...a rollicking, steamy, witty saga... Social politics underscore the delicious froth: quite besides the plight of poor Phil, the maelstrom of modern gay life (from drugs to online sex, vanity to homophobia) is concisely deconstructed by Burston' - The Times.
'Gay London's Jane Austen... a fearless chronicler of modern gay life in all its glory and grotesqueness.. up-to-the-minute, unashamedly commercial and absolutely in-yer-face... What makes the book really special is the sensitive treatment of Hazel, Phil's wife, whose story takes up almost half of the book' - The Independent on Sunday
'Burston expertly handles entwined storylines and evokes the energy and anxiety of gay London nightlife. This incisive writer mostly reserves a light, tender touch... Moving and witty, "The Gay Divorcee" is a diverting read to settle down with' - Metro
'Warm, witty, funny and at times very moving. The main story and sub-plots are interwoven well to create a story that is hard to put down and Burston's comedy touches are a real delight. The book would make a great film. Love, betrayal, friendship and humour; it would make a great rom-com' - Lancashire Evening Post
''The Gay Divorcee' is Burston's best book by far, one of the sweetest inside-tracks about the romantic aspirations and disappointments of modern marrieds I've read in a long time' - Christopher Fowler
'The gay novelist of now. Brilliant' - Boyz
'Hilarious and moving' - Gay Times
'Easily one of the leading gay commentators of his generation' - Attitude
'A readable, enjoyable look at London gay life with just enough realism to counter the superficiality of the scene. Ideal summer reading, and definitely worth a look' - The Pink Paper
'"The Gay Divorcee" is funny, fast-paced, and unflinching in its criticism of the gay scene, but it is also deeply emotional.The strength of the book, as well as the breadth of its appeal, is in the balance it maintains between its surface and its depths. It has nails, yes, but it also has a heart' - Polari Magazine.
'"'The Gay Divorcee" is a terrific read. Warm, funny and heartfelt, the tale is inhabited by beautifully drawn characters who will have the Soho set guessing for months to come over just who they're based on. Compelling and hugely entertaining, we couldn't put it down!!' - Beige.
'Piercing contemporary wit. Four stars' - Diva Magazine
'For fans of the witty and wicked, Burston's novels hit the spot' - Pride Life
"The Gay Divorcee" is a thoroughly entertaining read with excellent dialogue and empathetic, well-rounded characters... a must for anyone who's been on the gay scene and met the many characters that Paul Burston has successfully brought to life' - Chroma
