When I think of gay literature, I usually think of hot guys and gratuitous sex scenes with substandard plots and dialogue that belongs in the porn film that it really wants to be. How refreshing then, to experience Alex Dunkin’s beautifully crafted Homebody which breaks all those stereotypes I had in mind.
Set in an alternative reality where gay is the norm, regular families and friends live, love and work. The story centres on Aaron and David, a married couple who have been together since they began dating in high school. David is a stressed-out, high-powered banker climbing the corporate ladder of success, while the central protagonist, Aaron, is his stay-at-home partner, keeping house and hosting corporate dinners to aid his husband’s ambitions.
When Aaron meets brothers Cameron and Jake, his social world expands, introducing him to a world of possibilities. Facing a personal and sexual awakening, Aaron discovers life outside his comfort zone, which makes him question his own chosen role as a homebody. Using his husband’s regular absences, Aaron’s bravery in exploring his new life contradicts his subjugated place in his marriage, forcing him to come to terms with who he is and what he wants in life. Is love and stability enough or does he need to be set free?
Dunkin’s characters are everyday personalities, making them identifiable. Their struggles are real and, while the world he has created may be surreal to an extent, we can relate to the situations and relationships that drive the narrative. The humour is extensive, with the dialogue of Aaron and some others being particularly droll, but the underlying pathos is never lost as Aaron struggles to come to terms with himself and his place in the world.
Dunkin has written for a 21st century audience, offering enough hanky panky to please those still seeking trashy gay literature, but keeping it within the context of a much more intelligent and heartfelt story. The characters are well realised, the emotional challenges cross all boundaries, and the satisfying outcome offers the potential of a sequel which I hope will be forthcoming.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Twitter: @StrtegicRetweet
Rating out of 10: 7
Publisher: Buon-Cattivi Press, available through Alex Dunkin’s website
Release Date: October 2016
RRP: $27.99 paperback
Disclaimer: Alex Dunkin is a contributor to Glam Adelaide’s arts pages.
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