Saraband to publish tender and sensual second novel by Observer Best Debut Author Andrés N. Ordorica
Posted on June 24, 2026
Saraband is set to publish What the Light Would Say by Observer Best Debut and Barnes & Noble Discover Book Club author Andrés N. Ordorica, in May 2027. The novel centres on an unexpected romance that blossoms between a college student and a young soldier during the dying days of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Saraband’s Publisher Sara Hunt has acquired World English rights from Caro Clarke at Portobello Literary Agency.
Inspired by the author’s experience growing up on a military base in Japan, the narrative brims with authenticity. It couldn’t be timelier as we see a push back against LGBTQIA+ rights worldwide.
Julían Ortiz has returned to a military base on the humid island of Okinawa, Japan, to help his parents pack up their lives before they return to the States. It’s his final chance to say goodbye to a country that shaped him. But during a sweaty night out dancing with friends, he spots a mysterious stranger — a brief glimpse that makes a lasting
impression. Over the ensuing weeks, Julían and Sergeant Williams, a widower with a young son, keep crossing paths, and an intense friendship begins to take root. Under the bright hot sun, Julían begins to envisage a life that challenges not only his traditional upbringing, but also the expectations of how a young gay man should act.
Bubbling with desire and hope, this story is a testament to the power of starting over, finding your people, and opening yourself up to the possibility of joy. In a world of hyper-masculinity and simmering threat, two men’s lives collide in the most unexpected of ways. Can they find the strength to forge their path towards happiness together?
What the Light Would Say is a tender, sensual book and a beautiful exploration of two people willing to risk it all to live openly and freely. It’s perfect for fans of Bryan Washington, Nicola Dinan, Justin Torres, Lotte Jeffs and Seán Hewitt.
Sara Hunt, Publisher at Saraband, says, “I could not be more delighted to work with Andrés again on his beautiful, poetic and deeply affecting second novel. It’s a book that combines the fire and intensity of youthful passion with tenderness and emotional intimacy, written in immersive, atmospheric prose. It’s a captivating novel that his fans and new readers alike will love.”
Caro Clarke says, “I’m thrilled to be teaming up with the Saraband team again to publish this tender and sensual new book from Andrés. It couldn’t be more timely and I can’t wait for readers to be entranced by Julían and Matthew’s story.”
Andrés N. Ordorica added, “I am deeply grateful to be sharing this novel with readers. As we continue to see LGBT equality come under fire, I believe art is how we will preserve our histories and protect the stories of how we’ve overcome.”
About the author
Daniel McGowan Photography
Andrés N. Ordorica is a queer Latinx writer based in Edinburgh. His writing seeks to illuminate love and loss while unpacking what it means to be from ni de aquí, ni de allá. He is the author of the poetry collection At Least This I Know (404 Ink), Holy Boys (Polygon Books) and the novel How We Named the Stars (Saraband). He has been shortlisted for the Jhalak Poetry Prize, the Kavya Prize, Morley Lit Prize, Mo Siewcharran Prize and Saltire Society’s Poetry Book of The Year. In 2024, he was selected as one of The Observer’s 10 Best Debut Novelists. The following year he was named by The Skinny as one of 12 of Scotland’s Next Generation of Writers.
Press contact: Rebecca Mortimer [email protected]
