First of all, it’s set in the 1980s and author, Rick R. Reed, takes us authentically back to those reckless and terrifying days. The world was different than it is now. By the time the 80s rolled around, many gay folks felt liberated enough to live outside of the closet. But for others, it was still an era of repression and those folks still found shelter in heterosexual marriages, trying with utmost sincerity to live the life their families and society expected, I daresay demanded, of them. UNRAVELING is one of those stories, and it gives the reader an in depth glimpse into the mind of a genuinely good man, loving his wife and their young son, who simply can no longer deny who he really is. Lying to himself, to her, and to the world is no longer something he is able to do and it leads him to the darkest despair. Which brings me to the first and third chapters. These chapters are rich in emotion and interior unrest. We hear the points of view of both the husband and the wife. These are deeply touching, but dark. Get through those chapters and an entire world of fascinating characters and lived experiences comes out to play. Secondly, it was set in Chicago, and clearly the author is very familiar with gay life in Chicago’s Boystown in the 1980s. He takes the reader on a very welcome and heady trip down Halsted Street as the meeting spots and ghosts of meeting spots are resurrected before our eyes and in our hearts.
I thoroughly enjoyed UNRAVELING. It was a true roller coaster ride of steep inclines and treacherous descents, hairpin curves, and unexpected views and falls. I couldn’t stop listening. It tugged at my heart, made me cry, made me smile, and surprisingly – made me dance.
The narration by David Allen Vargo was top notch. He approaches every character with amazing realism. He voices everything from a 65-year-old woman, to a 6-year-old boy, and everything in between, with stunning authenticity. I will listen to anything and everything he narrates.
I recommend this audiobook highly. It’s well worth your time.