Aptly dedicated “to the living and the lost,” these 12 stories deal with ghosts–both terrifying ghosts of ill omen and those offering guidance and protection to the men they choose to haunt.
In his introduction, James Currier writes of forming the desire a number of years ago to move beyond his reputation as an AIDS writer. In reinventing himself, he remained concerned as ever with issues relevant to the lives of contemporary gay men. Setting down a list of topics to address, he include “substance abuse, gay marriage, serving in the military, domestic abuse in gay relationships, hate crimes, homophobia, and living outside of urban areas”–all represented here. At the same time, Currier began a study of classic ghost stories, a genre that had fascinated him since boyhood. (Favorites mentioned are the works of M. R. James, Henry James, E. F. Benson, Edith Wharton, and Ambrose Bierce.) The best of the resulting collection draws upon the past in observing the present, and in doing so never fails to disturb and entertain.
Six of the stories were previously published, three of them in anthologies of “best” gay fiction.
Recommended for libraries with an interest in gay-themed fiction, genre fiction, or both.
Reviewed by, Joyce Meggett
Division Chief for Humanities
Chicago Public Library
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