a novel by Jay Quinn. 09-30-09 Beginning book. First book by Mr. Quinn that I’ve read, looking forward to it. 10-09-09 into the book’s first hundred pages. A slow moving story, but I don’t mean that as a negative, because the characters are unfolding gracefully, creating an atmosphere. I enjoy stories that don’t whip along leaving me wondering about gaps in time. I am seeing film possibilities, but then, don’t we always create a “movie” in our heads as we are reading a novel? Interesting that the story seems to be centered on the straight brother, and that the gay brother’s name is revealed to mean “beloved” is Swedish. The dynamics of family are familiar, at least I can see my own experiences in the mix, only different circumstances. I am the oldest son, and I have a younger brother…no more personal details…just that I can relate to this book on a personal level. 10-15-09 The cost of being the Beloved Son, hmmm, maybe I’m better off with my own experiences. 10-20-09 Questions of Religion/Spirituality and being gay are brought up. Interesting how the author allows the gay son to embrace his religious foundation, while the straight brother has abandoned his early upbringing. Well, about 50 pages to the end, and we are heading for the beach and the end of this weekend visit to the family. Curious where all this drama is going to take us. 10-22-09 Finished this charming, quiet little family drama. Reminded me of the novel, “Breathing Lessons” by Anne Tyler.
