Gilbert & George and the Communists, by James Birch and published by Cheerio Publishing, tells the extraordinary true story of how the art dealer arranged groundbreaking exhibitions for Gilbert & George in China and the Soviet Union, then accompanied them on the adventure. It sounds like the sort of premise dreamed up for a prestige TV drama, but it’s all true. Part art-world memoir, part political road trip, the book proves that truth really is stranger than fiction.

The book’s greatest strength is its ability to transport readers into another era. Much of what unfolds feels almost unimaginable in 2026, making the adventure feel delightfully unhinged. For those less familiar with Gilbert & George, it offers a fascinating glimpse behind their carefully constructed public personas, revealing them as younger, ambitious and often excitable artists. At the same time, the revelation of their conservative politics adds an uncomfortable layer, creating an intriguing tension between admiration for their artistic achievements and disappointment in some of their personal views.

If the book has a weakness, it lies in the same place as its greatest strength. The wealth of detail makes every meeting, conversation and journey feel immediate and immersive, but it also raises questions about how much has been reconstructed through artistic licence. That uncertainty never overshadows the story.

Overall, Gilbert & George and the Communists is a fascinating, cinematic read that makes readers feel as though they have joined the journey themselves. Along the way, it offers an unexpectedly engaging lesson in both queer history and world history, all wrapped up in a compelling art-world adventure. Few history books manage to be this entertaining.

Gilbert & George and the Communists it out now via Cheerio Publishing