Reviews

Invisible Life by E. Lynn Harris

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ahsatan82's review against another edition

3.0

Insightful read on the feelings and thoughts of a person dealing with their sexual preference, the confusion, acceptance or lack thereof, the secrets and how it all affects them and those around them. Tough subject always, but I enjoyed reading a book where you hear the main character's thoughts, views, feelings and concerns.

apiphany's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

rest15resistance's review against another edition

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4.0

This was one of the first books I read that really dealt with lgbt issues. I read it when I was 18 or 19 years old. It's funny because I am a lesbian female and this book is primarily about a bisexual black male. Someone recommended I read it, and thought it probably wasn't going to be relatable to me, but from the first 5 or 6 pages I was HOOKED! Great story, good plot, and a real eye-opener.

readtheroom1992's review against another edition

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3.0

Invisible Life follows an African American man’s journey of sexual discovery and self-identity. The secret lives of gay, bisexual, and “down low” men and the women in their lives are explored.

E. Lynn Harris’ debut novel is groundbreaking in its representation of bisexual/gay/down low African American men. I enjoyed reading this book because I felt that it was an accurate depiction of what takes place in the gay community. I appreciated the honesty, good and bad, from the decisions the characters made. I would recommend this book to anyone who is gay/bisexual, who is questioning their sexuality, women and anyone who is curious about the lifestyle.

Some drawbacks while reading this novel was the author’s tendency to “tell” rather than “show” the development of romantic relationships. Trust your reader to reach those conclusions by the picture that you paint. Also, at times it felt that the author was promoting the selfish and problematic behaviors of the down low men. It would have been more enjoyable to see them face the consequences of their words and actions. The writing style was simplistic yet effective. It improved as the novel progressed.

The author excelled in capturing a moment in time (late 80s/early 90s) considering the undertones of racism/prejudice, the AIDS epidemic, the taboo of homosexuality in the black community, homophobia in the gay community, and exploration of colorism. The story was interesting and the author used suspense to keep you invested. The main character’s indecision over whether to pursue men or women could be frustrating but it was handled well in the end. The shame and inadequacy felt by gay black men was presented well. The open ending of the novel was satisfying.

The main theme of change is presented on the first page “There is something romantic about the changing of seasons. ...Whenever I think back on the loves of my life, I am often reminded of the seasons. There are four seasons. I have been in love four times. ...there was no way of knowing the my life, like the seasons, would soon change.” I liked the book and gave it three stars. I look forward to reading book 2 of this trilogy.

myblackbookish_life's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Where do I even begin with this read??? (gen)

For starters, I think I want to finish out this trilogy so I didn't have an awful time with book 1! Invisible Life might be best viewed and enjoyed as a capsule piece. It takes place in the 90s and the dialogue, actions and mindsets of the characters reflect the time. On one hand, I had to shake my head numerous times at the internalized biphobia, homophobia, infidelity, colorism, and incorrect/outdated information concerning sexuality and being born gay/making someone gay. On the other hand, it was, for lack of a better way of expression this thought, cool to see male sexuality and queerness in the Black community was viewed then verses now (how much has stayed the same and how much as changed).

I don't know if I love, hate, or just tolerated Ray Jr., our MC, but if I'm looking forward to reading the next book, something has grabbed my attention!

2 scenes towards the latter half of the book took me off guard in a good way, and probably helped balanced out the WTF-ness of other scenes and events:

Ray and his dad having a heart to heart. I just knew that his daddy was forever going to push Ray away because he was gay (bi). But for Ray Sr. to come to the conclusion that he loves his son no matter what really cracked open something inside me, especially given that this book came out in the 90s!. The other scene concerns Nicole and her slow forgiveness and willingness to link back up with Ray after he revealed his sexuality. On one hand, I felt for Nicole because her physical health was in danger--the AIDS crisis is talked about in this book, and I can't get over how these men then and now, fictional and real, would put themselves and their lives in danger for sexual pleasure. And I don't include the ones in sex work in this btw. But I was glad that Ray had decided to be straightforward and honest now and moving on, especially given attitudes towards gay people, and double that for Black gay men.

But yeah! Book 2 should be interesting I think!

prettypious's review against another edition

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5.0

I first read this book when I was young, under 19 years old. Revisiting I’m the book almost 20 years later after living 20 years of life I have a much better appreciation for this book and the deceased author, Mr. E. Lynn Harris. I’ve read every book of his and revisited this book for the Read Harder Challenge. At one point he was my favorite author and I legitimately devoured his books and went when they were turned into stage plays. I’m seriously surprised none have been made into movies. I think it’s because America is as homophobic as it was 20 years ago. Anyways I highly recommend this book and any of the others by Mr. Harris. Anyways, I probably won’t reread every book of his, but I may revisit a view more of the books.