This is one hell of a debut novel. Truly lovable characters become subjected to the dehumanising forces of modern Britain, hurtling towards an increasingly inevitable finale.

A teenager of the headstrong online-social-justice generation, David is firm in his beliefs, a strict vegan with the same socially liberal values as his family and digital peers – until his musical idol makes an Islamophobic statement. Like his bullies when called out for their behaviour, he has the opportunity to take a step back or to double down. Meanwhile, Hassan is torn between the friendship of harassers and the compassionate ideals instilled by his parents. As both navigate their way through (post-)migrant identities and moral integrity in modern London, their paths converge at crucial moments.

Padamsee bravely handles the complexities of both rivalry and allyship between LGBTQ+ movements, Islamic fundamentalism, Persian folk culture, the cost-of-living crisis, animal rights, and the safety of migrants. Having waded through the depths of online extremism so we don’t have to, he returns with this surprisingly sympathetic perspective on their dangerous appeal to the lonely seeking companionship and meaning.

England Is Mine is an extraordinary debut novel that’s as addictive as the subreddits, blogs and Discord chats we read through the minds of the protagonists. Doomscroll your way through, so to speak, but beware the heartbreaking consequences.