A review by thebroadsheets
Vespertine by Indra Vaughn, Leta Blake

4.0

Despite my deep reservations about the subject matter (years of Catholic guilt gnawing on my conscience here), I was persuaded to pick this up because Leta has never steered me wrong before. And I'm glad I did. What sold me on this was the fact that being gay was a revelatory experience within the context of the story, Jazz is an out and proud though celibate priest, a concept I found quite revolutionary. I enjoyed the strides Jazz made in LGBT outreach. I liked how his inner monologue conveyed his own fraught dichotomy he faces about his faith and sexuality. I liked that he challenged the outmoded ideology of the Church from within. BUT I must admit, this book won't be for everyone. I spent some time negotiating what did and didn't make me uncomfortable. In the end, Jazz and Nicky's undeniable connection was enough for me sincerely enjoy how their reconciliation came about. I cheered for Nicky's much deserved happy ending.