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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Invisible Life was first published in 1991 and is the story of Raymond Tyler who, as a college student, has an affair with another Black man. He moves to New York and begins a successful career as a lawyer. He dates women, one seriously, but also has clandestine relationships with men. When he is at least partially honest with a girlfriend and his parents about his bisexuality, their disapproval is clear. This book does feel rather dated in terms of its terminology and attitudes, but was a useful read as a sort of historic time capsule. The AIDS epidemic casts a shadow and takes an unexpected toll prompting Ray to make some difficult decisions. Overall I found this to be a sad read about a man who struggled to fully accept himself and be accepted by those closest to him. While much has changed I suspect in some communities Ray’s experiences will feel current rather than historic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Biphobia, and Homophobia
linguine_reads's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Homophobia and Biphobia tend to be internalised.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Infidelity, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol and Alcoholism
Minor: Drug abuse, Grief, Body shaming, Death, and Homophobia
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