This is my fourth book by Rick, and I’ve loved them all. He’s so good at showing characters going through the most honest and difficult points in their lives, and coming out ok on the other side. This is the story of Randy, a married father of a little boy who’s at a point when he can’t live in secrecy anymore. Randy is gay, and though he’s known for some time, he’s been closeted and has not acted on his attractions. When he comes out to his wife, what starts as amicable and supportive starts turning more divisive. He’s also met a wonderful man named John, who is very into Randy but doesn’t know if he can handle the baggage. These events are emotional for Randy, John, his wife Violet, and his son Henry. There’s separation, loneliness, longing, but also love and hope.
This book is set in the 1980s when the threat of HIV and AIDS is very real, adding another layer of discourse.
A really beautiful read!