Before there was Covid-19, the world experienced another epidemic that seemed to come out of nowhere. The first cases of what would become known as AIDS were diagnosed in June of 1981. Forty years ago. Think about that. The beginning of the AIDS crisis is now a historical time period. Mind boggling. But also so important to remember.
Brian Malloy's novel is set at the height of and in the epicenter of the epidemic, 1988 New York City. Kevin Doyle lost his beloved partner, Francesco "Frankie", to the painful agony of the disease. He's had two years of grief and anger as he's watched more of his friends die and in a wider world that doesn't care. After the most recent funeral, of one of his closest friends, Kevin loses his job and then drinks himself into the hospital. Now he's broke (like a few dollars left in his pocket broke) and his friends think he needs an intervention. In desperation, and with a lot of misgivings, he returns to his hometown of Minneapolis to recoup and recover. Over the next months Kevin has to finally face his feelings and figure out how to start to build a new life without Francesco.
The pain and rage of Kevin and those in the trenches with him is palpable and uncomfortable and real. Malloy lived through it and his excruciating knowledge of the subject matter is evident with each word. So too is the love and warmth of spirit his characters nurture each other with in order to survive. Yes there is deep sadness here, but I also found so much hope in the reading. Highly recommended.