Licking Our Wounds

by Elise D'Haene

Licking Our Wounds, Elise DHaenes acclaimed debut novel, is the story of Maria, a young woman coming to terms with the complexities of life in the age of AIDS. Abandoned by her lover and faced with the deaths of her friends, Maria seeks help through Peter, HIV-positive and deeply conflicted about the choices facing him, and Christie, a woman full of her own ideas about truth and the meaning of life. A fresh, engagingly sarcastic and determinedly bawdy voice. DHaene is blessed with a savvy, iconoclastic view of the world that is mordant but never mean. (Publishers Weekly)

Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Olga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book... this was my second reading. Ever since reading it the first time I've wanted to road trip to Maine in order to find myself.

Heartbreaking view of the devastation AIDS brought to many communities and the strength and beauty that arose from it.

Not your typical lesbian novel and in then end, she found her Mona.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

...read this years ago, then accidentally placed it in a pile of books i gave away...though it's more sexually explicit than i normally would care for in my reading experience, i found it to be a very raw, honest and refreshing read that stayed with me weeks after i finished it

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I scan faces for spots, scrutinize coughs, measure body dimensions. My eyes are instruments, tools for detection. My arms too. How much space does Matthew fill when I hug him? Arms around his torso and my hands would touch. Then I could hold my wrist behind his back. Now, I can reach past my elbow."

[Steve Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book about early days of the AIDS epidemic and how it raged like fire through the gay community. It was depressing to read, but seemed accurate in describing how friends just seemed to fade away as you watched.

[Tracha 🪿 · Rating 1 out of 5]

0 stars. Worst book ive ever read in my life