Harris, E.L. (1991). Invisible Life. Anchor Books: New York.
Annotation: Raymond, a bisexual African American lawyer recounts his relationships with men, women and his family as he mourns his first lover's wife's death from AIDS.
Summary: Raymond Tyler, Jr., from Birmingham, Alabama has had one serious girlfriend since high school. In his senior year of college he meets Kelvin, who propositions Raymond, awakening in him feelings he's never acknowledged. As Ray and Kelvin spend more time together Ray begins to develop feelings for Kelvin and starts to question his relationship with Selma, who he'd always assumed he'd marry. To escape the situation he takes a job in New York where he immerses himself in the gay lifestyle, all while remaining closeted at work and for the most part with his family. Then he meets Nicole, a beautiful dancer and the best friend of Kelvin's fiance. Nicole is deeply Christian and wants a commitment from Raymond, but unbeknownst to Nicole, Ray is also involved in a hidden relationship with a married man. Ray knows he has some choices to make. He loves Nicole, but can he commit to a lifetime with her and never be with another man?
Summary: Raymond Tyler, Jr., from Birmingham, Alabama has had one serious girlfriend since high school. In his senior year of college he meets Kelvin, who propositions Raymond, awakening in him feelings he's never acknowledged. As Ray and Kelvin spend more time together Ray begins to develop feelings for Kelvin and starts to question his relationship with Selma, who he'd always assumed he'd marry. To escape the situation he takes a job in New York where he immerses himself in the gay lifestyle, all while remaining closeted at work and for the most part with his family. Then he meets Nicole, a beautiful dancer and the best friend of Kelvin's fiance. Nicole is deeply Christian and wants a commitment from Raymond, but unbeknownst to Nicole, Ray is also involved in a hidden relationship with a married man. Ray knows he has some choices to make. He loves Nicole, but can he commit to a lifetime with her and never be with another man?
Review: This was a very touching novel. Harris does a great job of conveying the struggles of an African American man who very clearly identifies as both gay and straight. He clearly paints a picture of the homophobia often present in the African American community, where gay men are seen as traitors to the race. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for books that explore what it means to be gay, straight or bisexual.
Possible recommendations: Other books by this author, Eric Jerome Dickey, Terry McMillan
Rating: 3Q, 2P
Possible recommendations: Other books by this author, Eric Jerome Dickey, Terry McMillan
Rating: 3Q, 2P
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