Independent
Gay Writer editor Betty Conley reviews two books this issue. Deep Water: A Sailor’s Passage by E. M. Kahn
The Brothers Bishop by Bart Yates
Three Fortunes in One Cookie by Cochrane Lambert (page 12)
If you are a writer or publisher and would like to send Betty books to review, please contact her here.
  Deep
Water: A Sailor’s Passage by E. M. KahnISBN: 1-56023-517-9 The Haworth Press 2005 $14.95 Softbound/235 pages Deep Water: A Sailor’s Passage, by E.M. Kahn, is a memoir of sailing adventures with a loved one, now deceased. After a less than hoped for career in journalism, New Yorker Gene Kahn became a successful ships’ carpenter. He caught the sailing bug after he and a friend took sailing lessons at City Island (Bronx, NY) during the summer of 1978. Kahn tells his story in a series of logically unfolding remembrances, which eventually form a cohesive story, full of love that leaves the reader wishing for the story to continue…as does the brokenhearted author. The story, while well written, nonetheless got off to a rather slow start. At first, I didn’t know what course the author was taking, no pun intended. I continued to read Deep Water, at first because of its setting, the familiar (to me) navigable waters surrounding Long Island. Before I realized it, I couldn’t put the book down. I was totally taken in by the strong bond of love that existed between Gene Kahn and his late lover, Kevin. Kahn began his story with the start of his sailing adventures, learning the ropes in a 14 foot Blue Jay. Over the course of years, Kahn stepped up to larger boats, while at the same time expanding his sailing explorations of all the harbors in and around Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound, Nantucket Island, as well as vacation trips to the beautiful Caribbean islands. Always by Gene’s side, at home, at work, and for all the sailing adventures, was Kevin. Kevin first rode, literally, into Gene’s life looking for employment at his downtown Manhattan carpentry shop. Kevin and his dog, Kasha, had been living in a crime ridden neighborhood some distance from the shop. Preferring not to have to worry about the very real possibility of Kevin getting mugged, or something untoward happening to Kasha, Gene suggested the two move into his not much larger but, better situated apartment. Needless to say, the arrangement worked out. While Deep Water: A Sailor’s Passage, is a story of many exciting sailing adventures, it is far more than just that: It is a deeply felt love story. Deep Water is E. M. Kahn’s tribute to Kevin, who at first was his employee and friend, then later became his lover and partner in life. Kevin is sorely missed and his loss is deeply felt. Kahn’s Deep Water: A Sailor’s Passage is a solid read, and especially enjoyable if you’re fond of sailing adventures. |
 The Brothers Bishop by Bart Yates ISBN 0-7582-0911-8 Kensington Publishing 292 pages/2005/$23.00 hardcover The Brothers Bishop by Bart Yates is a fascinating tale of close and loving human relationships. Yates' first work, Leave Myself Behind, was a finalist for the Insight Out Violet Quill Award, and the winner of the 2004 Alex Award. His second novel doesn't disappoint. Yates draws on his extensive understanding of human behavior to paint a fascinating, and many times disturbing tale of two brothers who love each other—in spite of or because of—their bitter, widowed father, Vernon Michael Bishop. Set in the small touristy coastal town of Walcott, Connecticut, the Bishop boys, Nathan and Tommy, depended on each other growing up. After their mother died an early and sudden death, their embittered father took his hurt and loss out on his sons until after one particularly bad incident, he put both boys in the hospital. Afterwards, Vernon vowed never to hurt the boys physically again. From then on, his abuse became verbal and emotional. The boys only had each other for support and comfort. The extent of that support, and the secret Nathan and Tommy share, will surprise the reader. The story's narrator Nathan is now a 31 year old high school English teacher. After their father's death, Nathan chose to live in the Bishop family's historic cottage within walking distance of the beach. The story takes place three years after Vernon's funeral. Tommy, a gregarious 29 year old New Yorker, visits his somewhat reclusive big brother for the first time since the funeral. Never one to be alone, Tommy brings along an entourage of his three closest friends, newlyweds Camille and Kyle, and his current boyfriend, Phillip. Loner Nathan never considers the possibility of having a boyfriend—he's the complete opposite of flirty Tommy, who has a boyfriend turnover every few weeks. When Nathan's 15 year old summer school student, Simon, meets the group at the beach, and then starts hanging around with them at the cottage, possible trouble looms ahead. Jail-bait Simon has a crush on randy Tommy. Bart Yates has woven an unpredictable story with sidelights I haven't touched on in this review. The Brothers Bishop is titillating and sad, exciting and hopeful. Yates has a wonderful way with words, using clever and original expressions to relay his observations of the human condition. When I finished reading The Brothers Bishop, I breathed an audible, "Wow!" I recommend this book to anyone looking for a read that's a cut above the average. |