Two voices tell this touching, almost scary, tale of brothers set primarily in New York City from the 1970s through the 1990s.
Living “the life” filled with drugs, sex, and stars, Jacob is adrift, never finding his true self and searching for structure and meaning in his life. When he serendipitously encounters religion outside Radio City Music Hall, Jacob gives up his life of sin to lead his own church in his newfound religion.
In his new strict religion, Jacob goes to the opposite extreme, giving up and denouncing his homosexuality and other vices. Instead he becomes a preacher and uses his own interpretations to embrace the religion’s doctrines. Happily living the traditional American dream in his new life, he marries a woman in his new life and has two children. Estranged from his past lover and partner, Jacob takes such a fanatic approach to his religion that he alienates members of his church, the people who love him, support him, and wish his guidance.
Noah, the forgotten brother, has always been steadfast and reliable, yet jealous of the attention and love showered upon his lazy, mooching, unfocused brother. Putting aside his dream of being a writer, he stays with their mother and brings in money for the household while Jacob follows his dreams in the big city.
Resentment and tensions abound between the two brothers, yet family that causes them to unconditionally support each other in the resolution to this novel.
Allen deals with many sensitive issues in this heart wrenching tale of love, lust, gender identity, religion, and acceptance, all issues instigated by the single meeting between a street preacher and the book’s protagonist, Jacob.
This is no feel-good, fairy-tale ending story; this novel takes a realistic look at the dark side of religion, AIDS, finding oneself, and the ways that one’s personal changes influence others’ lives.
This book may be viewed as homophobic and anti-religion, yet it can also be seen as heartfelt and true to those who have been in similar situations with religion and finding themselves. It provides a necessary voice and should be included in collections.
Reviewer: s.n.