• 'Gunk' delves into themes of unconventional family structures and challenges the traditional nuclear family model.
• The novel is set in the gritty world of a nightclub and features complex characters navigating love, loss, and unexpected parenthood.
• While praised for its tender exploration of motherhood and Sams' writing talent, the review notes some characterization may feel reminiscent of short fiction.

Saba Sams' novel 'Gunk' is a story centered around Jules, a thirtysomething nightclub manager, her ex-husband Leon, and a mysterious young woman named Nim. The novel explores themes of unconventional relationships, unplanned pregnancy, and the search for alternative family structures. Through flashbacks and present-day narration, the story unfolds, revealing the complexities of love, loss, and the challenges of motherhood.

• What: 'Gunk' tells the story of Jules, Leon, and Nim, and their unconventional relationships. Nim arrives at Jules' nightclub, becomes involved with both Jules and Leon, has a baby, leaves the baby with Jules, and vanishes. Jules is left to care for the newborn, grappling with unexpected motherhood.
• Who: Key individuals are Jules (the protagonist and nightclub manager), Leon (Jules' ex-husband and a charismatic but unreliable character), and Nim (a mysterious young woman who disrupts their lives).
• When: The story unfolds through flashbacks and present-day narration, spanning from Jules and Leon's marriage to the arrival and departure of Nim, and the subsequent period of Jules caring for Nim's baby.
• Where: The primary setting is a dingy nightclub called Gunk, located in Brighton, UK.

The review suggests 'Gunk' is a plottier and more commercial endeavor compared to Sams' previous work, 'Send Nudes'. While praising Sams' talent for capturing the essence of unconventional characters and exploring complex themes, the review points out that some characterization may feel underdeveloped. However, the novel's exploration of alternative family structures and its tender portrayal of motherhood are highlighted as significant strengths. The review indicates that Sams is a skilled writer with the potential for further acclaim.

a sliding, continuous hardness that came once and then again, muscular as an eel beneath the skin

In "Gunk," Saba Sams delivers a raw and tender exploration of love, emotional responsibility, and the unconventional forms that family can take. Set against the backdrop of a grotty Brighton nightclub, the novel delves into the complexities of Jules's life as she navigates her relationship with her ex-husband and an unexpected bond with a younger woman. Sams avoids easy categorization, presenting her characters as messy and achingly real, capturing the nuances of desire, safety, and the search for control. Ultimately, "Gunk" is an electrifying debut that challenges traditional notions of family, queerness, and love, offering a poignant and insightful look at the intricate connections that bind us together.