The Lodger

by Drew Gummerson

Honza takes in a lodger, Andy, who seems like his opposite - a coarse straight guy who comes home drunk every night to fart happily in front of the TV. But when, in a drunken stupor, Andy confesses to murder, Honza refuses to believe him. Then one weekend Andy disappears, only to return with his face rearranged. This black comedy of misunderstandings is a deft debut from Drew Gummerson.

Genres: LGBT, Fiction, Gay

260 pages, Paperback

First published July 22, 2002

Reviews

[PaperMoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can safely assume I loved this book since I started and finished all in one sitting. Again, this first-novel tells a rollicking and funny story of a thirty-something male (Honza Dobrowlowski - Polish origin but born in UK) trying to get his novel published, recovering from a broken heart, coping with a dysfunctional family of origin (mother, sister and 4 year old nephew), trying to grab sexual relief wherever possible without strings attached. He doesn't want love or relationships, he doesn't want to lose his beloved nephew should his sister succeed with her plans to relocate to London as a stripper-dancer, but he does want help with his dwindling bank balance - hence the need to advertise for a lodger.

The book proceeds with everyone (friends, colleagues, neighbours, family) making all sorts of judgements as to his motivations for doing taking in Andy, a 21 year old lodger, tying to inveigle information out of Honza as to whether the lodger is merely a 'lodger' or a 'lodger lodger with benefits'. There is significant exploration of Honza's mind regarding his purpose in life, his character flaws, why his previous relationship failed, his flagging self esteem regarding his published work - or lack thereof) - which I enjoy.

The book gives some lovely interaction between uncle and nephew (Nicholas) whenever Honza has to provide free babysitting weekend duties for his prostitute sister, but the real highlight is the slow burgeoning relationship that develops between landlord and lodger (who are poles apart in temperature, nature and interests). In fact the author is almost at pains to describe Honza's total lack of interest or attraction towards the younger man at the start of the book. The subsequent chain of events organically changes their living dynamic and interactions in quite a fascinating manner - the lynch-pin being Andy's drunken confession one evening of having murdered someone ...

Anyhow - this book (which I would classify as a romance-type) strongly reminds me of Jay Mandal's The Dandelion Clock (which I also loved) and thus is a definite keeper for re-reads in my opinion.

[Antonella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably it is slightly less than 4 stars, but I liked it a lot. It is more a romance than a thriller and the progression between the initial lack of attraction of the MC towards the lodger and his subsequent interest is very believable. There are other rounded secondary characters. I loved Honza's affection for his nephew, the presence of the kid is absolutely bearable, in fact it is enriching, whereas kids in m/m are oft carriers of sappiness. The evolution in the relationship of the MC to his prostitute sister is also well done. All in all a satisfying reading. I wonder why it isn't more known, also considering that I found it in a not too ancient list of the ten best standalone gay mysteries by Drewey Wayne Gunn on Lambda Literary.

[Liam Ostermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and loved everything by Drew Gummerson, he is one of my all time favorite authors, he may not be absolutely one of the greatest writers ever but who can live up to the classics? As it is I wish he would write more - probably it is not a case of his writing more but publishers finding the balls to publish more proper writers and books.

This is a splendid first novel and on every level it is beautiful, heart warming, sexy, fun, humourous, I could go on and on - read the other reviewers almost all of them loved this book and deservedly. This was Gummerson's first novel and like many other authors he was published by Gay Men's Press a now defunct publisher which here in London provided an outlet for writers that should have been published by the main stream but were ignored. Gummerson is a typical example of a fine writer who easily had/has an appeal far beyond a 'gay' one but who wasn't given a chance - and honestly when you look at the mountain of shite mainstream publishers poured forth through the 1980s, 90s and into the 21st century it is a scandal when you compare it to GMP's back catalogue which will still provide anyone with a mountain of interesting writers worth reading.

I can only insist that you go ahead and take a chance on this wonderful fun novel.

[George Ilsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amusing novel, if somewhat fanciful and sentimental. I have no idea what "Honza" looks like, although he is that breed of protagonist who is universally attractive, for no obvious reason, and never does anything except write and drink and eat. Money is a problem, but in this fictional universe he has no apparent shortage.

How did Andy discover Honza was gay? — maybe I just missed that part. Honza's mother is a perfect character, perfectly flawed, and his sister — well you know it will all work out.

This book slides into romance novel territory, and everyone lives happily ever after. Yah!

[Lemuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This...was a strange read.
Thematically, I enjoyed the plot and how the events progressed, but the outcome of the entire novel feels lukewarm and unsatisfactory, in my opinion. My enjoyment of The Lodger came in short bursts, but overall, it's mostly "meh".