Originally published in 1975, this book is still timely and pertinent today. Sadly pertinent today as lack of understanding and acceptance remain a part of our society. I am so impressed with Ms. Hobson’s nuanced exploration of a young man coming out in 1960.
The novel opens with Tessa Lynn receiving a letter from her teenage son Jeff in which he discloses that he is gay. He asks for her support by asking her to fund psychoanalysis, in hopes that “the whole thing will change around.” Despite Tessa’s mix of feelings, there is no question that she will help her son. She is hesitant to tell her husband, who suffered a stroke the year before. She eventually tells him and his reaction is negative, causing a rift in the family that takes years to mend. The novel spans the years 1960-1973, a time of revolution and small evolution for the Lynn’s and also for the world. Jeff, along with his mother, sister, and brother-in-law begin to realize that “conversion” is not the goal and analysis is not the answer. When Jeff eventually becomes a physician, he learns that his homosexuality can jeopardize his career. His mother and brother-in-law devote themselves to learning all they can about homosexuality, including the shift within the APA (American Psychological Association) that ultimately leads to the removal of homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1973.
This book is so beautifully written and very thought provoking. While it is about family, society, and acceptance, it is really about a mother’s unconditional love for her son. I really enjoyed reading the author’s intelligent and thoughtful reflections on the process of confronting our prejudices in all their forms. We all have a unique perspective and filter that will always color our understanding of other people. Tessa has a lovely section near the end of the book when she contemplates the difference between tolerance and acceptance and concludes that acceptance is the only proper goal. No matter what you may be dealing with in your life, there are some excellent messages here. A shout out to Open Road Media for re-issuing some excellent books that have broadened my reading experience!
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