By David Kennedy Polanco
Publisher: Self Published
This book provides a glimpse into the Latino gay world. The length of the book is not very long, and would be better served as part of an anthology or as a short story somewhere. Although the story is short, it does have a lot of substance. This book takes you on a journey of two people in a spiraling relationship and the awkwardness of it all. The author does a fine job of capturing this moment.
There are times, however, when the reader is left wanting more. You don’t know whether you should like or dislike the characters because you need more insight as to what makes the characters think as they do. More scenes on the differences between Stokes (the white American) and Harvard (the Latino American) would be helpful. The reader is given a few background glimpses of these individuals, and although the insights are powerful, the scenes are not enough for the reader to become truly vested with the characters.
I believe the author was hoping to give insight into the gay world without the general stereotypes, and he did that splendidly. As you read the story, it makes you feel sorry and at times upset at Stokes. Harvard, on the other hand, you just don’t know whether to like him or not. Towards the end of the book, you get more insight as to why Harvard behaves like he does, but it may come a little too late in the book.
The style is informal and is an easy read. I personally, would have liked the story to be a little longer so that I could really explore the characters’ inner thoughts and wants. The overall “slice of life” that the author captures is very keen, concentrated, and interesting.
Source: Book was provided by author for review. It was reviewed by Corina Martinez Chaudhry.
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