A review by bonz_authorshipdown
City of Night by John Rechy

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Honestly, I was left speechless and full of thought after this book ended, sat with my feelings and reflecting on how it ended following such a long story, full of love, despair, change, difference, alienation, denial and every other emotion that you can think of. It truly was an unforgettable look at a neon-lit life on the edge of a world told in a way which felt like I truly understood the alienated gay-culture of the 60s and I was left feeling incredibly touched but confused, in a good way. The ending was so incredibly captivating that I was late to a class in school because of it. The way this book truly captures the feelings and emotions of the ‘youngman’ at the time makes you feel apart of the contemporary society living along the disorientation of the protagonist, discovering their intimacies and their insecurities. I can’t do it justice within a mere review, but I can by giving it a recommendation which I feel suits the gravity of this book.