Unlived Affections

by George Shannon

At his grandmother's death, eighteen-year-old Willie finds a box of old letters which explain many family secrets.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Queer

104 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1989

About the author

George Shannon is a popular storyteller and former children's librarian whose many notable picture books include Tomorrow's Alphabet, Lizard's Guest, and White Is for Blueberry. Tippy-Toe Chick, Go!, illustrated by Laura Dronzek, was named a Charlotte Zolotow Award Honor Book. George Shannon lives on Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Reviews

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book. Telling a love story through one sided letters was a brilliant device that never felt hacky or overwrought. And the dad's journey of self-discovery was downright beautiful. So honest and kind and understanding. The main character's actions made so much sense, which is sometimes unfortunately rare in books like this. I really can't overstate how much I loved the love letters that turned into friendship letters.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gay novel with a straight guy as the protagonist? Yep! and in this case it works. Willie is packing up his grandma's home following her death. He'd been planning on leaving her to go away to college but the old gal couldn't tolerate being left and up and died on him. Just like his mom had when he was little.

While clearing out the house Willie finds a box of old letters that had been sent to his mother and in reading them he finds out about his past and that of his family. Seems not everything his grandma said had been true.

Overall this book has the appeal of a mystery without the usual detective story feel. We keep getting revelation after revelation, and just like a detective story, some characters look momentarily guilty only to be vindicated thereafter.

What's left is the story of a family and the coming of age of a young man who's been "protected" from the truth for a very long time.

Long ago I decided that every family was dysfuntional in some way and this story doesn't do anything to dispel that belief. But it does add a nuance... that no matter how dysfunctional a family is, there is still some worth there.

This is a great read and it's riveting enough that I finished it in a single day. At 93 pages, that's not too surprising but I feel that I've been through something of an ordeal much like the protagonist has been.

Still, this book is definately worth the read.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Unlived Affections while searching through the shelves of Barnes & Nobles. The reader will be able to realize and sympathize with the main character Willie’s confusion and anger; as well as his fathers courage to openly express himself. Learning that your parents are human is hard enough, but when you discover that they have been telling you lies your entire life your world can turn upside-down. George Shannon’s writing techniques are unique. He combines Willie’s reading of letters with his comments and understandings. I believe the author wants us to acknowledge the importance of how we view our own families. I would recommend this book to anyone aged 12 and up.

[Michelle Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deserves 6 stars. Weaves a beautiful tale of true love in all forms. Reader can feel right along with the characters. Poetic and heart breaking as well as hopeful and full of life.