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somefloor's review
5.0
I just finished reading this book, along with its Epilogue and Afterword, and I’m still not sure where or how to fully begin explaining why I loved it so much in order to give it the credit it deserves. I picked this book up in a local thrifty bookshop, it being one of the ten or so books out of hundreds if not thousands there that could be characterized as explicitly queer in one way or another, and I’m thrilled to have been graced with such a dynamic surprise (which I concede was only by the luck of a notably naive and desperate whim to find any sort of queer representation in a book I might be able to identify with, so this exceeded all expectations I had).
The comedic, light-hearted, admittedly anxious, and incredibly introspective voice of Ben Duncan resonates clearly through this conversational experiment of what John Howard suitably describes as the corollary of de-gaying and re-gaying a memoir, resulting in a postmodern recollection of powerfully transformative and compelling life lessons. In addition, Duncan’s fresher supplemental passages largely recontextualize his original book of the same name, integrating personal historically relevant anecdotes in order to shed light on the unspoken English gay underworld of the time. He reflects on his true feelings and intentions of the time, being more transparent and vulnerable, by exposing a visceral dimension of himself previously kept hidden for his own safety and survival. This level of disclosure enables a more intimate connection between Duncan as a storyteller (which he excels at) and his readers. The accessible diction and carefully placed allusions utilized by Duncan both exemplify how well he is able to understand and appeal to audiences of all backgrounds, proving that every reader will be able to gain something from this value-rich autobiography.
As a younger queer person just entering my 20s, reading this has been an invaluable experience and has certainly affected me in ways I haven’t quite yet grasped yet. I truly loved this for so many reasons, and Duncan’s refreshing humor and grounded humility is certainly that to be envied and revered.
The comedic, light-hearted, admittedly anxious, and incredibly introspective voice of Ben Duncan resonates clearly through this conversational experiment of what John Howard suitably describes as the corollary of de-gaying and re-gaying a memoir, resulting in a postmodern recollection of powerfully transformative and compelling life lessons. In addition, Duncan’s fresher supplemental passages largely recontextualize his original book of the same name, integrating personal historically relevant anecdotes in order to shed light on the unspoken English gay underworld of the time. He reflects on his true feelings and intentions of the time, being more transparent and vulnerable, by exposing a visceral dimension of himself previously kept hidden for his own safety and survival. This level of disclosure enables a more intimate connection between Duncan as a storyteller (which he excels at) and his readers. The accessible diction and carefully placed allusions utilized by Duncan both exemplify how well he is able to understand and appeal to audiences of all backgrounds, proving that every reader will be able to gain something from this value-rich autobiography.
As a younger queer person just entering my 20s, reading this has been an invaluable experience and has certainly affected me in ways I haven’t quite yet grasped yet. I truly loved this for so many reasons, and Duncan’s refreshing humor and grounded humility is certainly that to be envied and revered.
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