title: Imagine That: Letters from Russell
author: Lydia Stux
description: "With <I>Imagine That: Letters from Russell</I> by Lambda Publications, in which she makes public her almost 20-year correspondence with her friend Russell, Lydia Stux has somehow unintentionally joined the ranks of writers such as Ann Patchett (<I>The Magician&#39;s Assistant</I>) and Jame Hamilton (<I>The Short Story of a Prince</I>), straight women in literature (as well as real life) whose relationship with a gay man has achieved literary greatness. From their meeting in their native Ohio through their lives in other metropolitan areas (Chicago and San Francisco), a powerful bond was formed via epistle over the course of their friendship. Russell&#39;s letters have a particularly grim power, particularly since he was writing them from his first-hand experiences at ground zero." -- <i>Gregg Shapiro, OUTLINES, January 13, 1999</i><br /><br />Twenty years ago, when I was a fledgling theatre queen at Kent State, one of the more ebullient of my fellow students was Lydia Stux. As I came out in those early years, Lydia frequently mentioned her friend Russell, who had moved to San Francisco to become a writer and playwright, and that I should someday meet him. Sadly, that never happened, even after moving to the Bay Area, as Russell died of AIDS-related illnesses. Lydia, his straight friend, now living in Chicago, kept years worth of letters with the struggling writer, and has put them together in a book that makes for some sweet, simple and highly personal reading. It's like re-discovering an old friend. Reading the journals and letters of people can be a harrowingly revealing experience, but Stux has edited the works to showcase their personal debates on social issues (anti-semitism, the use of the term "fag hag"), and the ups and downs of a wistful gay Everyman trying to make his mark in the years just before the AIDS pandemic. Along with the gradual encroachment of AIDS into Russell's life and body, "Imagine That" offers a daily account of the often-forgotten early 80s, years of misinformation and ignorance. What is more touching is watching Russell's development as a writer and man of letters, how his growth as an artist was cut down by the daily burden of his failing health. His long-term relationship with his lover, his pets and his dear friend displays a sincerity and directness that avoids the cliquishness of celebrity journals, and serves as a simple testament to the bonds between friends that transcend geography and sexuality. -- <i>Jim Provenzano</i>
zlib_text: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  A Breach of Promise
  
  [Victoria Vane](http://www.jasminejade.com/m-786-victoria-vane.aspx)
  
  On the night of her betrothal, Lydia Trent receives just a taste of what
  ecstasy will be at the hands of her fiancé…and then he leaves her wanting.
  After waiting six years, and tired of being neglected by her exceedingly
  reluctant husband-to-be, Lydia decides to break it off.
  
  When Marcus, Lord Russell, receives Lydia’s letter requesting a release from
  their contract, he is stunned by her audacity. Confident he’ll have her eating
  out of his hand with his usual wit and charm, he’s determined to repair the
  damage. However, the headstrong woman she’s blossomed into is equally
  determined to thwart his every effort to win her back.
  
  Marcus discovers, in spite of her conviction to end the union, Lydia is more
  responsive to his touch than he ever imagined. He just needs to get her alone
  to unleash the promised passion he sees within his wanton virgin. Marcus will
  use any tool in his ar