David - he Waiting Room - Xander Hanson

Xander Hanson is a storyteller with a deep commitment to exploring the human experience through fiction. His writing is shaped by years of working in the NHS , as a community worker, and a director of several charities—roles that gave him a unique perspective on resilience, compassion, and the power of connection. Specializing in LGBTQ+ and historical fiction, Xander’s novels transport readers to the 1980s, a pivotal era marked by both progress and profound challenges. His work delves into themes of identity, love, and survival during the AIDS epidemic and under the shadow of Section 28, capturing the courage and vulnerability of those who lived through it. His debut novel, David: The Waiting Room, is an intimate portrayal of friendship and hope in the face of uncertainty. The prequel, Riyadh – Prospectus of Hope, will soon take readers even deeper into the lives of characters navigating a world where acceptance was hard-won and every choice carried weight. Based in central England, Xander lives with his family and two energetic dogs who keep life interesting. When he’s not writing, he enjoys immersing himself in history, supporting community projects, and finding inspiration in everyday stories of strength and perseverance. Through his books, Xander aims to give voice to experiences often overlooked, creating narratives that resonate with readers who value authenticity, empathy, and the enduring power of love.

GENRE: Literary Fiction

Blurb:

Brighton, 1986. David Vintner is twenty-one, living in a seaside cottage with his closest friends, Al and Ri—a chosen family bound by laughter, secrets, and the fragile hope of a future that feels possible at last. But when a single phone call shatters that illusion, David is thrust into a world of hospital corridors, whispered fears, and headlines screaming about a new and deadly virus. As the AIDS crisis tightens its grip, David faces a truth he can no longer outrun.