Patchwork

by Dan Loughry

As it moves from Chicago in the late 80's to Los Angeles on the cusp of a new millennium, Patchwork encompasses a mercurial decade in the lives of its characters. This debut novel - told with candor, insight, and a humor both gentle and scathing - sets the story of lovers in transition, and a family in the midst of personal upheaval, as they struggle to redefine themselves in the shadow of tragedy. "A deeply moving story of human relationships, yours and mine, in elegant prose that tackles tragedy and hope, loss and grief, with refreshing honestly and humor. Loughry's brilliant voice and haunting story will follow you long after you've turned the last page." - Dora Levy Mossanen, author of HAREM and COURTESAN "Dan Loughry is a maestro of memory and observation. In Patchwork, he achieves the impressive feat of telling a story that feels archetypal in its outlines - as it follows its protagonist through three eventful decades, from the beginning of the age of AIDS to the era of bemused long-term survivors - but ultimately wins us over through its masterful recording and layering of the specific human details and discoveries that make up a particular journey, and a particular life." - Dave Awl, author of WHAT THE SEA MEANS and FACEBOOK ME!, and editor of 200 NEO-FUTURIST PLAYS

180 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2011

Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of Patchwork comes across as an effective but unexceptional AIDS Era "slice of death," but in the second half the novel develops into a remarkably touching and insightful work. The writing is forceful and unadorned, an enviable mix of wit and solidity.

[Devin Tait · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written, moving story about gay life and HIV/AIDS. Despite the heavy subject, the tone of the book is light for the most part and very easy to follow. The characters are all very interesting and easy to relate to, and I was very quickly drawn into their world and found myself caring about them, especially the main character Sal. His relationship with Barbara, his former lover's mother, was very dynamic and interesting. I highly recommend this book!