A beatifully written story of young love...
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This is a wonderfully written and beautifilly told story of two young guys in love, in the early 1960's. However, why have I only given four stars? Well...
In all my book reviews, I nearly always say 'I found the early chapters difficult... I struggled to get in to the text...' and this novel was no different for me. As with so many coming out saga's, the author seems desperate to get to that moment and as quickly was possible so the 'real' book can begin. However, that means the reader loses any chance of early familiarity with the characters. In Common Son's, before I understood who the two young guys were or their respective histories or how they really came to that moment, I found myself being thrown in to 'the kiss' and its fall out (limited as it was to family reactions and the 'local' bully).
I also feel that many, possibly, significant events were skipped over in the text, such as Joel finishing High School, by himself, after coming out; the town's people's reactions to the family allowing their relationship to develop and the different reactions of the Reece families newest additions. Instead the reader is subjected to another 'religion hates homosexuality' storyline, as Tom tries to align his faith against his desires and that of his Father's religious damanding.
I also found the secondary characters of the Stroud family more interesting and engaging than the two leads, Joel and Tom, which meant that I found their 'setting up home' distracting from the other events taking place in the story.
Am I nit-picking now...? Probably. I loved Common Son's - a wonderful setting and a viewpoint of coming out taken at a different time. Its also interesting to know that this is just the first book and that the authors committment to Joel and Tom continues in to the future and we get to know how life treated them moving forward (the second book is called 'The Blind Season'). I will read the rest of the 'Common Threads In Life' series of books and I will re-read Common Sons, therefore despite my gripes I encourage you to buy and enjoy this beautiful text.
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Young lovers triumph against adversity
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The Year is 1965, the location a small town in New Mexico; Joel is seventeen years old and living on his families farm, Tom is a little older, the son of the local church minister; they have been best friends almost since Tom arrived in town about a year ago. But when, sitting around a crowded table of school friends at a local dance, Tom drunkenly kisses Joel (and later consummates his professed love), it unleashes a chain reaction of troubles.
Initially Tom, troubled by his Bible trained conscience instilled in him by his strict father, tries to dismiss the events; but Joel is not so easily put off. His brief experience with Tom, when he compares it to his abortive attempts with girls, brings him to the realisation that he must be attracted to men. But will he be able to convince Tom that they have a future together even if he can get past the curfew Tom's father has imposed on his son for drunkenness? How will their respective parents react if they learn of the boys' true inclinations? How will their friends, Tom's fellow church members and the narrow-minded townsfolk in their small community respond?
The story follows the relationship of the two boys and the reaction of those around them in the year following that careless kiss, the difficulties they encounter as they try to accept their love for one another and remain together. Tom and Joel are each very likeable characters, physically attractive, mature for their years and caring. The characters around them are well described and range from the supportive to the duplicitous and the actively hostile.
This is a heart-warming love story, maybe a little improbable at times, but the overall idea is very appealing. I feel it suffers occasionally in the telling; the writing, while very descriptive, is at times rather dry; but that aside it is well worth reading.
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Nothing "common" about Common Sons
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Common Sons, is a story of young love and coming out in a time that, while years ago, mirrors the trials still faced today. You will follow Joel and Tom thru the friendship, the first kiss, the scandal, and both the good and the bad times. Just like real life their journey is not always easy but they face it honestly and bravely. The story rings true from start to finish. You will find yourself on these pages. You will remember the struggles you faced and you will soon be rooting for Joel and Tom. Give this book the chance it deserves you will not be disappointed.
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