Christopher
Author: Allison Burnett
Publisher: Broadway Books, © 2003
Paperback: 259 Pages
ISBN: 0-7679-1333-7
Genre: General Fiction, Gay Fiction
“Marry him?” narrator B.K. Troop scoffs at his Greek waitress in
Allison Burnett’s debut novel, Christopher, when she suggests he
swallow a four-leaf clover in order to ensure he marry the object of
his desire, his new neighbor and the title character of the book. “Good
God! I only want to seduce him!” And that is precisely what B.K. sets
out to do, despite the fact that Christopher is obviously heterosexual.
B.K. is a middle-aged, unemployed, bipolar, unattractive gay man. When
Christopher, an aspiring novelist, moves in next door, B.K. immediately
sets his sights on the lovely young man. Fresh from a failed attempt at
marriage, Christopher seems ripe for the picking, but B.K. has a
challenge before him—Christopher isn’t interested in being
seduced. B.K. isn’t the type to back down from a challenge, and
he goes after Christopher with religious zeal.
He tries everything in his power to worm his way into Christopher’s
life, and he succeeds to some degree, but his goal of seducing the
younger man is thwarted at every turn—often with hilarious results. The
book chronicles a year in the lives of B.K. and Christopher, a year in
which they both learn much about themselves. As seen through B.K.’s
eyes, and related to us through his sharp, witty, and sometimes bitchy
observations, Christopher develops a crush on a married waitress,
delves into presidential politics, becomes involved in a New Age cult,
and struggles to deal with his domineering and malevolent mother.
Meanwhile, much to his horror, B.K.’s lust develops into something
deeper, something he thought he would never feel—true love.
Christopher is a
rare find—a clever, engaging book that can make you
laugh out loud, but also pulls at your heart strings. Burnett, a
screenwriter and film director living in Los Angeles, at times seems to
be channeling the spirit of Oscar Wilde. His style is literary, but
completely accessible. He has taken a character like B.K. Troop, who
easily could have been extremely unlikable, and not only makes him
sympathetic, but actually brings you to root for his happiness. I
highly recommend this book.
Josh Aterovis, Author/Reviewer
Bleeding Hearts (ISBN:1-932300-19-8)
Reap the Whirlwind (ISBN:1-932300-05-8)
For more information visit: Black Sheep Productions
www.steliko.com/bleedinghearts
|
|