A review by kellyrei007
The Complexities of Love by Eric Williams, Alex Williams, M.A. Quigley
5.0
This is a powerful debut novel by Melisa Quigley! In this first-person character drama, Mark, with his insecurities and confusion, drew my sympathy from the opening paragraphs. He faces the challenges of school and socialization while struggling to hide who he really is.
Mark understands that while he is gay, he is not supposed to be. It is not what his family and friends expect or want him to be; rather it is a reason to be ashamed. There are no dates in this book, but Mark grows up and lives his young adult life in a severely homophobic society. That would be difficult enough for any gay person, but Mark has other problems that are revealed in time. Dave is the person Mark loves, and he appears to have a better grasp of his life, until it is revealed that Dave, too, has secrets.
The writing is narrative driven throughout and the dialogue is rather sparse; it has the feel of a diary at times. It is impossible not to root for Mark and want him to find happiness. I will not give spoilers, but this was an affecting read that I will not soon forget.
Trigger warnings: child sexual abuse; suicide.
Mark understands that while he is gay, he is not supposed to be. It is not what his family and friends expect or want him to be; rather it is a reason to be ashamed. There are no dates in this book, but Mark grows up and lives his young adult life in a severely homophobic society. That would be difficult enough for any gay person, but Mark has other problems that are revealed in time. Dave is the person Mark loves, and he appears to have a better grasp of his life, until it is revealed that Dave, too, has secrets.
The writing is narrative driven throughout and the dialogue is rather sparse; it has the feel of a diary at times. It is impossible not to root for Mark and want him to find happiness. I will not give spoilers, but this was an affecting read that I will not soon forget.
Trigger warnings: child sexual abuse; suicide.