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Everyone, gay or straight, should read this epic novel of sweeping, romantic scope, though, with its forays into the worlds of opera, theater and ballet, not to mention supernatural overtones, fags will lap this up the way beauty parlor matrons back in the 1960's lapped up Jacqueline Susann's "Valley Of The Dolls," now out in a stunning new. pink trimmed 50th Anniversary Edition.
Alexander Chee is a better writer than Susann, and his language is gorgeous, so if you are one of those gays whose reading matter does not go beyond your thirty plus year old sticky issues of STROKE or HIS 69 paperbacks, then forget it!!!!!!!!!! If, on the other hand, you are literate, and want a satisfying read, this is it, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lilliet Berne, a reigning European opera star of the 1800's, gets her dream when a librettist approaches her about writing an operatic role, just for her. Who, in the arts, does not dream of their own roles, darlings?????????? Except Lilliet's comes with a price--the libretto turns out to be based on a novel by Henri Simonet, about her disguised life, and her rise from practically a woman of the streets--my God, yes!!!!!--to where she is now!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who had access to this info? Who betrayed her? What will Lilliet do, when she finds out. Oh, my God, darlings, I was so enthralled I could not stop reading. The sumptuous period details and costumes, the cultural references--see why only brainy gays can read this????????
And the romantic, supernatural ending, like something out of "Angels In America"--oh, my God!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book is sure to make my Ten Best List, and so far tops out the year. But this is only the first half, so we shall see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Meanwhile, put your time to good use, and read this very strong contender!!!!!!!!!
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