Gary
PhillipsThe Men From the Boys
 The
Men from the Boysby William J. Mann ISBN 0525943358 (hc.) ISBN 0452278562 (pbk.) Penguin Putnam Inc. | Take
four men, one twenty-two years old, two in their thirties, and one in
his forties, weave in summers in Provincetown with a bit of sex, and
you're in for quite an interesting story. This book will not disappoint
you. Part of the story takes place in just about my favorite place on earth, Provincetown, Massachusetts. I took a particular interest in it because of that one bit. The story is written as a narrative by the main character, Jeff, so it has a rather intimate feel. The main characters are Jeff, Lloyd, Javitz, and Eduardo. Jeff and Lloyd are lovers; Javitz was Jeff's first lover. Javitz is 15 years older than Jeff and Lloyd is also HIV positive. Javitz has been going through most of the usual HIV-related health problems. Jeff, Lloyd, and Javitz are very close. Javitz has given power of attorney to them. It's only a matter of time before he gets too sick to take care of himself, so they can see to his care. This haunts both Jeff and Lloyd. The story opens a whole host of issues that can and usually do appear in our gay lives. The ways we grow together in a relationship, the one simple fact that we don't stay young and pretty forever, dealing with "Family" (our maternal and adopted ones), and the problems that can occur in an open relationship. These are just a few of the many issues dealt with in this novel. Jeff meets Eduardo while out "tricking" in one of the main bars in town. Eduardo is twenty two, beautiful, and likes "older men." Jeff is thirty two but not admitting to it, at least, not right away. Eduardo was born in Provincetown, and is what is referred to as a "Townie." They end up dancing—both on the dance floor and in bed—quite often, I might add. This is a summer romance that gets pretty hot and heavy during which there are some pretty heady moments. Moments that made me think, moments that would make us all think… Eduardo may only be twenty two, but he surprised Jeff and even Javitz with his insight on many gay issues. I really like the way this book is written. I read it when it came out in 1997, and read it again for this review. I think just about everyone will be able to identify with many of the aspects of this story. There are very few spelling or grammar errors, something I really appreciate. It's a great story, and you'll like it even more if you've ever been to Provincetown. Just a bit of my journal from that day… "Sunday, October 12, 1997: I have finished the novel The Men From the Boys, while in Provincetown on this rainy Sunday night of Columbus Day weekend. I am very deeply touched by it. It's kind of a downer for me, but also happy in a way, as they all seemed to come together in the end. Although, it wasn't a positive yes or no… There is no doubt that Javitz will die. I have to get out for a walk, despite the rain. I wear my rain gear and Teva's and head out for a walk…a walk on that very breakwater the boys at the end of the story, gathered on. I think it over and consider it's probably too dangerous. No, FUCK the wind, rain and slippery conditions, I just have to go there. It's raining quite hard, a real Nor'Easter. I stand 1/3 of the way out and turn into the wind as if to defy or curse it. I take in the elements around me. I call to them, I cry; I don't really know why, perhaps the content of the story, perhaps some of my own feelings coming to the surface? Whatever the reasons, it will affect me for quite some time, as most good books do. I did what I felt I must, and very carefully walk back in. One must be very cautious, as over the years, these huge blocks of granite have claimed countless skinned knees, elbows and even broken bones. I continue on after coming in. I walk for yet another hour, taking in the sights, loving the rain, wind and fog and The Men from the Boys…" |
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