Song of Myself: A Novel

by Arnie Kantrowitz, Patrick Merla (editor), Lawrence D. Mass (introduction)

Song of A Novel is a gay man's odyssey of self-discovery. It is the story of Daniel Dell Blake, a gay man navigating his way through a tumultuous twentieth-century America. His rites of passage, including embracing his identity, garnering self-respect, and living with irrepressible creativity, will resonate for readers confronting today's culture wars. Daniel's struggles against societal norms, infused with wit, celebrate human resilience while offering historical insight, punctuated throughout by quotes from Walt Whitman, whose life and writings serve as a touchstone-to the narrator and to the reader-a testament to how truth and pride, and even humble efforts in the midst of monumental events become (in Whitman's words) "the journey-work of the stars."

Song of A Novel chronicles the gay experience from World War II through the early AIDS crisis. The novel, deeply influenced by Walt Whitman's work, offers a poignant reflection on the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community during a pivotal era of social change.

The publication of Song of A Novel coincides with ongoing debates about the representation of historical figures' sexuality, including that of Walt Whitman himself. Kantrowitz, a devoted Whitman scholar, sought to affirm the poet's identity as gay throughout his career.

Song of A Novel is described as a picaresque and bawdy novel, filled with adventure, humor, wisdom, and resilience. It stands as a testament to Kantrowitz's role as a sentinel voice in the Gay Liberation movement, advocating for self-realization and resistance against oppression.

Dr. Lawrence D. Mass, Kantrowitz's surviving life partner, provides context for the novel's relevance in today's socio-political climate. "What was once a historical chronicle has become a cautionary tale," says Mass. "Arnie's novel resonates strongly with current challenges to LGBTQ+ rights and recognition."

Genres: Fiction, LGBT, Gay, Historical Fiction

615 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2024

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Walt Whitman, how you would have loved Las Culturistas…

[Curtis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this a bit more challenging of a book to engage with than I initially expected. The writing style is quite dense. And the fact that it is a fictional memoir made it a bit strange to follow--though I enjoy fiction and I enjoy memoirs, the blending of fact and fiction and not knowing for sure where that line was drawn was just odd to me. Not to mention that the author himself shows up in the book as a character that the main character interacts with. Overall, it was mildly entertaining but was a little bit of a struggle to get through overall.

[Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through the Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.]

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an epic, moving, and inspiring story of a gay man's difficult yet adventurous life. Inspired by his favorite author, Walt Whitman, Dell tries to make sense of his gay identity through the tumultuous decades of the 20th century. Loved this book!

[Foresti · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read for all individuals in the LGBTQ+ community in today's society! This book will undoubtedly be a staple on my bookshelf and one I will revisit time and time again

[Terry Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A plain-talk autobiography of a gay activist. Arnie Kantrowitz writes an interesting story of his life: His early years and discovering he was gay, his military service and beIng a POW in WW II, university studies, marrying and having children, and eventually, his life as an out and proud gay man. I particularly liked his straightforward descriptions of the joys of sucking c**k.

Thanks to the publisher for an ARC.