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Title: A Powerful, Though Defensive, Book
Review: This book moves the reader with the author's personal story of coming out in a homophobic society, mostly during the pre-Stonewall era. Monette speaks powerfully about the importance of queer love, though he seems to get so wrapped up with the point of view of himself during that time that he seems to need to defend same-sex love.The book, written in the context of his lovers' AIDS deaths and his own illness, offers a stirring reminder of how the queer community has been devasted by the plague---one made far worse than necessary by the neglect and prejudice of the government and society as a whole.When you read the book, chances are that you will feel like a queer man in the fifties and early sixties, vividly reliving the experiences of trying to find the "laughing man," Monette's romantic ideal of a man that he could share joy and love.
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