778. Lost Language of Cranes

Lost Language of Cranes
David Leavitt
1986
Around 350 pages

The recent entries have felt very modern; this one referenced Star Trek, for heaven's sake. Just a reminder that we are nearing the terminus of this journey, as we get closer to present day. The end is nigh!

Basically, we get the story of Phillip, who comes out to his parents Rose and Owen. Rose is fairly homophobic, Owen is less so, as he is a closeted homosexual. The "lost language of cranes," refers to an article Phillip's boyfriend's roommate reads about a child who emulates cranes as this was the only thing he would see out of his window from his cot, and his parents weren't around. He was then sent to a psych ward.

I don't really have strong opinions about this novel either way. All of the characters seemed to represent different points of view, without really feeling like human beings. The story told here explores themes very familiar to the LGBTQ community, but outside of that, I didn't really find much to praise about the writing.

I think it wrapped up a little too neatly to be true to real life, but that's novels for you.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Adapted as a TV film in 1991.

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