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The Duplex
THE DUPLEX is a novel about four gay friends and lovers living in 1950s Los Angeles. Dealing with harsh conditions including fear of arrest, possible job loss, and stifling expectations of conformity, the group comes up with a brilliant and highly unusual scheme to live freely and avoid harassment. Their unique idea works well at first but ultimately leads to unexpected complexities and issues, dovetailing into valuable lessons about the high cost of blending in—or not.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2020
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June 12, 2020I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found The Duplex in a M/M group but it differs considerably from the bulk of M/M fiction. Which is, as far as I am concerned, positive as I am a reader who spends as much time finding fault with the umbrella genre, for lack of a better term, as actually enjoying it for what it has to offer. Which is not to devalue M/M altogether but merely to provide something of a baseline about my somewhat ambivalent attitude toward it.
The greatest point of departure is the weight and centrality of the female cast. As can be gathered from the description, The Duplex is articulated around four characters, two of which are lesbians and their role is at the core of the novel in more ways than one. For starters, the entire premise requires the women to be very present so that the illusion of heterosexuality can be achieved, this is very much the entire point of establishing the living arrangement in the first place. But the role of women is also paramount on a structural and narrative level as well since they, along with the men, take turns narrating their respective chapters. So the women speak in the first person, assuring that equal participation is embedded in the text itself. It is unfortunate that each character's modes of expressions are not unique enough to make this polyphony to truly resound.
Before coming across their arrangement, they all ran into perilous situations that range from nearly getting arrested (the men, not surprising) to being pressured by a mother into marrying (Dot, one of the woman) and some backlash at work (Barb, the other woman). All this against a background of co-workers losing their job and even killing themselves, a world in which the police is not just oppressive but actively baiting gay men so as to better arrest them.
This looming threat is heightened by a keen awareness that L.A in the 50's is both more permissive than the rest of America and at the same time much more dangerous than it used to be even a few decades ago. Barb, a lawyer who is very self-assertive and acutely aware that homophobic is as much cultural as it is legal, claims early on that she wished she had been born earlier. On its face this struck me as somewhat odd as one tends to imagine the machinery of systematic oppression grows less effective with time but in reality this is not always the case. These weeding out of queers, the massive investment in terms of undercover cops posing as queers in order to better entrap them, the clamping down on the part of the authorities on queer spaces, all this is not precisely new but has reached a level of pitched paranoia by the mid 50's. It is connected with these spaces being much numerous and with a wider organized push for regressive violence that so infamously tried to dismantle the civil rights movement. The novel is aware of this connection between race and queerness and nods in its direction a few times, perhaps not as many as it should, but it very much there.
Jerry, another lawyer, hails from Kansas and is still in a daze about the scope of opportunity that L.A can offer to a gay man. It is through him that the reader comes to realize the proliferation of bars and clubs catering to particular types of queers. From drag queen bars to tuxedo and formal attire clubs, the scene is varied and incredibly rich. Jerry is paired off with Barb as a fake couple for the purposes and it is him who first comes up with the idea.
The other two characters are Dot, a bombshell teacher who is both thoughtful and affectionate and Cliff, a snarky maverick of sorts with a devil may care attitude. Dot and Cliff form the other fake couple.
Through the impersonation of heterosexuality they gain a visibility in public as well as a safe haven in private. They can go on dates to famous restaurants, exchange racy banter and essentially play act. It is liberating but also raises some very interesting points about performativity in a borderline meta sense. The rituals of heterosexual courting were refined to a kind of performance art by the time the 50's rolled by. Women posed as shrinking flowers and men opened doors, pulled chairs and laced their talk with ready jokes. Even the more spicy crowd, for lack of a better term, engages in what was very patently artificial caricature. Odds are there is still plenty of this, the actual rules have changed but the posing aspect is not entirely gone, but the double distance of time and the presentation of play as precisely that, impresses on the reader the notion of representation.
The novel does a very good job in recreating the period. Characters's language is often quaint and the humor not always that easy to follow precisely because they speak very much as people of that time would speak. This goes a long way into establishing a sense of realism.
Having said all this, I am not sure I can at all buy the idea that it would have been possible to pretend to be married. It would have made much more sense if they had actually gone through a marriage ceremony. The men may be able of getting away with just announcing they are married and suffer no repercussions in the workplace but the women would have to legally change their name. Dot, as a teacher, would perhaps be able to slide but Barb, as a lawyer, would be signing legal documents under an assumed name. This is an extra danger that could have been easily solved by actually getting married.
The novels puts into play quite an interesting cast and ends up leveraging their opposite points of view in a discussion about gay marriage. Each one has different ideas as to what it would entail and while they are sure it will not happen in their lifetime, they are not all sure it would be a good idea, at all. The range of opinions shows that the queer community has come a long way. Jerry, deep in internalized homophobia, does not think it should be legalized as homosexuality is just 'unnatural' and if queer people were visible as such, they would become targets. Barb is on the very opposite end, pointing out quite sensibly that they are all living very much in a kind of marriage and that being visible and legally recognized can only be positive.
I am focusing on Jerry and Barb because as lawyers theirs is a perspective that can have direct repercussions on how the law is seen and experienced.
The balance, tensions and bonds in this tiny community of four is brilliantly rendered. Unfortunately the novel commits something of a cardinal sin about two thirds into it.
Those who can overlook this particular episode are very likely to enjoy this one thoroughly. It has a sense of reckoning, keeps it real (for the most part) and is very off the beaten path. If anything, it is a stark reminder that homophobia is a beast with many claws but also insidiously pervasive and while things have become much better, there is still quite a long way to go yet.
I found The Duplex in a M/M group but it differs considerably from the bulk of M/M fiction. Which is, as far as I am concerned, positive as I am a reader who spends as much time finding fault with the umbrella genre, for lack of a better term, as actually enjoying it for what it has to offer. Which is not to devalue M/M altogether but merely to provide something of a baseline about my somewhat ambivalent attitude toward it.
The greatest point of departure is the weight and centrality of the female cast. As can be gathered from the description, The Duplex is articulated around four characters, two of which are lesbians and their role is at the core of the novel in more ways than one. For starters, the entire premise requires the women to be very present so that the illusion of heterosexuality can be achieved, this is very much the entire point of establishing the living arrangement in the first place. But the role of women is also paramount on a structural and narrative level as well since they, along with the men, take turns narrating their respective chapters. So the women speak in the first person, assuring that equal participation is embedded in the text itself. It is unfortunate that each character's modes of expressions are not unique enough to make this polyphony to truly resound.
Before coming across their arrangement, they all ran into perilous situations that range from nearly getting arrested (the men, not surprising) to being pressured by a mother into marrying (Dot, one of the woman) and some backlash at work (Barb, the other woman). All this against a background of co-workers losing their job and even killing themselves, a world in which the police is not just oppressive but actively baiting gay men so as to better arrest them.
This looming threat is heightened by a keen awareness that L.A in the 50's is both more permissive than the rest of America and at the same time much more dangerous than it used to be even a few decades ago. Barb, a lawyer who is very self-assertive and acutely aware that homophobic is as much cultural as it is legal, claims early on that she wished she had been born earlier. On its face this struck me as somewhat odd as one tends to imagine the machinery of systematic oppression grows less effective with time but in reality this is not always the case. These weeding out of queers, the massive investment in terms of undercover cops posing as queers in order to better entrap them, the clamping down on the part of the authorities on queer spaces, all this is not precisely new but has reached a level of pitched paranoia by the mid 50's. It is connected with these spaces being much numerous and with a wider organized push for regressive violence that so infamously tried to dismantle the civil rights movement. The novel is aware of this connection between race and queerness and nods in its direction a few times, perhaps not as many as it should, but it very much there.
Jerry, another lawyer, hails from Kansas and is still in a daze about the scope of opportunity that L.A can offer to a gay man. It is through him that the reader comes to realize the proliferation of bars and clubs catering to particular types of queers. From drag queen bars to tuxedo and formal attire clubs, the scene is varied and incredibly rich. Jerry is paired off with Barb as a fake couple for the purposes and it is him who first comes up with the idea.
The other two characters are Dot, a bombshell teacher who is both thoughtful and affectionate and Cliff, a snarky maverick of sorts with a devil may care attitude. Dot and Cliff form the other fake couple.
Through the impersonation of heterosexuality they gain a visibility in public as well as a safe haven in private. They can go on dates to famous restaurants, exchange racy banter and essentially play act. It is liberating but also raises some very interesting points about performativity in a borderline meta sense. The rituals of heterosexual courting were refined to a kind of performance art by the time the 50's rolled by. Women posed as shrinking flowers and men opened doors, pulled chairs and laced their talk with ready jokes. Even the more spicy crowd, for lack of a better term, engages in what was very patently artificial caricature. Odds are there is still plenty of this, the actual rules have changed but the posing aspect is not entirely gone, but the double distance of time and the presentation of play as precisely that, impresses on the reader the notion of representation.
The novel does a very good job in recreating the period. Characters's language is often quaint and the humor not always that easy to follow precisely because they speak very much as people of that time would speak. This goes a long way into establishing a sense of realism.
Having said all this, I am not sure I can at all buy the idea that it would have been possible to pretend to be married. It would have made much more sense if they had actually gone through a marriage ceremony. The men may be able of getting away with just announcing they are married and suffer no repercussions in the workplace but the women would have to legally change their name. Dot, as a teacher, would perhaps be able to slide but Barb, as a lawyer, would be signing legal documents under an assumed name. This is an extra danger that could have been easily solved by actually getting married.
The novels puts into play quite an interesting cast and ends up leveraging their opposite points of view in a discussion about gay marriage. Each one has different ideas as to what it would entail and while they are sure it will not happen in their lifetime, they are not all sure it would be a good idea, at all. The range of opinions shows that the queer community has come a long way. Jerry, deep in internalized homophobia, does not think it should be legalized as homosexuality is just 'unnatural' and if queer people were visible as such, they would become targets. Barb is on the very opposite end, pointing out quite sensibly that they are all living very much in a kind of marriage and that being visible and legally recognized can only be positive.
I am focusing on Jerry and Barb because as lawyers theirs is a perspective that can have direct repercussions on how the law is seen and experienced.
The balance, tensions and bonds in this tiny community of four is brilliantly rendered. Unfortunately the novel commits something of a cardinal sin about two thirds into it.
Those who can overlook this particular episode are very likely to enjoy this one thoroughly. It has a sense of reckoning, keeps it real (for the most part) and is very off the beaten path. If anything, it is a stark reminder that homophobia is a beast with many claws but also insidiously pervasive and while things have become much better, there is still quite a long way to go yet.
July 21, 2020
Cliff Lonigan is a fast-talking, good-looking, Devil-may-care guy who’s perfectly suited to his career in advertising. Jerry Ripley, a young lawyer just arrived from Kansas, is dazzled by the cosmopolitan variety of Los Angeles. An LA native, twenty three year old Dot Johnson teaches high school and lives with her mom. Barbara Penczecho, who hails from Brooklyn, has the distinction of being the only female lawyer in her firm. She’s tough as nails, detail-oriented, the sort of person who never runs away from a fight even if she senses she’s going to lose.
Fate throws these four together and they quickly develop strong bonds of friendship and more. Despite the difference in their personalities, they share a secret that could wreck their lives: all four are homosexual. In 1954, a man indulging in sexual activity with another male, of even the mildest sort, can easily end up in jail – or in the hospital after taking a beating from the cops. Lesbians have things a bit easier, but are still harassed and ostracized. It’s perfectly legal, and common, for employers to fire workers whom they suspect are not heterosexual. Women are even arrested for wearing men’s clothing - “masquerading” as the opposite sex.
Barbara and Dot are already a couple, hiding their relationship from their family and associates. Jerry finds himself falling for Cliff, despite their initial non-committal connection via anonymous sex in the back of a movie theater. Cliff doesn’t talk much about his feelings, but he’s pleased enough to have handsome, intelligent Jerry doting on him. The foursome goes out on “lavender dates”, pretending to be two heterosexual couples, but the fear of being unmasked makes this stressful and unsatisfying. Then Jerry has a brainstorm. He proposes that they rent a duplex – two houses that share a wall – and create a passage between the units. To the world, they’ll be two newlywed couples. Once safe inside their duplex, though, they can re-sort themselves to be with their true lovers.
The Duplex is a fantastic book that realistically captures the pain and difficulties of being gay in the fifties. The dialogue and descriptions are stellar. All four characters come alive on the page. The reader can’t help loving them – even ne’re- do-well Cliff, who turns out to be something of a cad.
At first, the clever ruse of the duplex succeeds brilliantly. The two couples have the freedom to live together and be themselves, something almost impossible to achieve in that period. Still, they can’t allow themselves to let down their guard. The neighbors are always watching. The four need to stay alert and keep their stories straight. Indeed, I felt the constant tension as the book unfolded, the fear that one of them would make a mistake and bring their home-sweet-home down around their ears like a house of cards.
In fact, it’s the psychic conflicts inherent in being queer in a mostly straight society that ultimately undermine the utopia of the duplex. The four are torn apart by the centrifugal forces of their own emotions. Still, their time together, the rare opportunity they have to experience a life they’ve chosen rather than one imposed by society, changes them all.
Looking back at that time, I can appreciate how far Western society has come. You can live openly with your same-sex partner, adopt children, in some places marry. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited, at least on paper. A larger fraction of the population has become comfortable with the notion that some people have unconventional attractions. It’s even trendy, in some places, to be gay.
There are still more than a few countries, though, where you can be imprisoned, even executed, for homosexual behavior. And in so-called enlightened countries, queer men and women are still being reviled, physically assaulted and murdered because of they’re perceived as different, sinful, “other”.
The Duplex makes this threat feel very real. Barbara, Dot, Jerry and Cliff are just trying to live their lives, to find sexual satisfaction, companionship and love. Everyone wants those things. In this novel, even when the foursome is flying high and savoring their freedom, you’re always aware of the lurking danger. They are breaking the rules; at any time, someone could discover this and make them pay the price.
This awareness helps makes The Duplex a dramatic and moving read. I recommend it highly.
Fate throws these four together and they quickly develop strong bonds of friendship and more. Despite the difference in their personalities, they share a secret that could wreck their lives: all four are homosexual. In 1954, a man indulging in sexual activity with another male, of even the mildest sort, can easily end up in jail – or in the hospital after taking a beating from the cops. Lesbians have things a bit easier, but are still harassed and ostracized. It’s perfectly legal, and common, for employers to fire workers whom they suspect are not heterosexual. Women are even arrested for wearing men’s clothing - “masquerading” as the opposite sex.
Barbara and Dot are already a couple, hiding their relationship from their family and associates. Jerry finds himself falling for Cliff, despite their initial non-committal connection via anonymous sex in the back of a movie theater. Cliff doesn’t talk much about his feelings, but he’s pleased enough to have handsome, intelligent Jerry doting on him. The foursome goes out on “lavender dates”, pretending to be two heterosexual couples, but the fear of being unmasked makes this stressful and unsatisfying. Then Jerry has a brainstorm. He proposes that they rent a duplex – two houses that share a wall – and create a passage between the units. To the world, they’ll be two newlywed couples. Once safe inside their duplex, though, they can re-sort themselves to be with their true lovers.
The Duplex is a fantastic book that realistically captures the pain and difficulties of being gay in the fifties. The dialogue and descriptions are stellar. All four characters come alive on the page. The reader can’t help loving them – even ne’re- do-well Cliff, who turns out to be something of a cad.
At first, the clever ruse of the duplex succeeds brilliantly. The two couples have the freedom to live together and be themselves, something almost impossible to achieve in that period. Still, they can’t allow themselves to let down their guard. The neighbors are always watching. The four need to stay alert and keep their stories straight. Indeed, I felt the constant tension as the book unfolded, the fear that one of them would make a mistake and bring their home-sweet-home down around their ears like a house of cards.
In fact, it’s the psychic conflicts inherent in being queer in a mostly straight society that ultimately undermine the utopia of the duplex. The four are torn apart by the centrifugal forces of their own emotions. Still, their time together, the rare opportunity they have to experience a life they’ve chosen rather than one imposed by society, changes them all.
Looking back at that time, I can appreciate how far Western society has come. You can live openly with your same-sex partner, adopt children, in some places marry. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited, at least on paper. A larger fraction of the population has become comfortable with the notion that some people have unconventional attractions. It’s even trendy, in some places, to be gay.
There are still more than a few countries, though, where you can be imprisoned, even executed, for homosexual behavior. And in so-called enlightened countries, queer men and women are still being reviled, physically assaulted and murdered because of they’re perceived as different, sinful, “other”.
The Duplex makes this threat feel very real. Barbara, Dot, Jerry and Cliff are just trying to live their lives, to find sexual satisfaction, companionship and love. Everyone wants those things. In this novel, even when the foursome is flying high and savoring their freedom, you’re always aware of the lurking danger. They are breaking the rules; at any time, someone could discover this and make them pay the price.
This awareness helps makes The Duplex a dramatic and moving read. I recommend it highly.
June 8, 2020
Fun and charming, The Duplex was a short read set in the 1950's and tackles on the story of a band of friends as they deal with societal issues and struggle to start anew. Things don't go their way and they soon learn that every action has a consequence. Wonderfully and vividly written Stevens explains bigotry and oppression towards their readers.
May 22, 2020
This is another book that I received in a Goodreads giveaway. It was a surprisingly fun read. There is a lot of whimsical, fast paced banter in the beginning as the characters are introduced. I smiled my way through it. Then the book takes a more serious turn as the characters confront their beliefs and upbringing and what it is they really want for their lives. What they are or are not willing to compromise in themselves and in regards to societal expectations. While I avoid television like the plague I can't help but feel that this book would make quite an amusing and provocative show. In short, I liked the book. :)
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March 7, 2021A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
This started off fine, however, the constant change of character POV was too much. There are better ways to shift POVs than with each chapter. I would just start to get into the character story I am reading and then it's over, jump to a different character and a whole new situation. I don't like that emotional whiplash. I tried to push through but I wasn't enjoying it. The story seems interesting and I would have loved to have enjoyed it.
No rating because it's a case of me and not the book. The writing itself was good though, the arrangement wasn't for me.
This started off fine, however, the constant change of character POV was too much. There are better ways to shift POVs than with each chapter. I would just start to get into the character story I am reading and then it's over, jump to a different character and a whole new situation. I don't like that emotional whiplash. I tried to push through but I wasn't enjoying it. The story seems interesting and I would have loved to have enjoyed it.
No rating because it's a case of me and not the book. The writing itself was good though, the arrangement wasn't for me.
June 6, 2020
I liked how the 4 main characters told their individual stories. The plan they concocted due to their partner choice was ingenious.
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February 17, 2022Thank you to Waters and Baxter and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
A lot of people born in the 1930’s and 1940’s thought that the 1950’s were America’s best years. This decade was a period of conformity. Men and women conformed to their assigned gender roles. A stereotypical family was made up of a father, mother and 2.5 children. Men were the breadwinners and most women stayed home to tend to the house and children. Girls were to be nice and boys need to be strong. So, imagine how hard it would to be in a same-sex relationship in a time when it was not accepted. That was the challenge for the characters in this book …to appear “normal” but live their lives as they wished (in private). Going out to bars to meet people could result in arrests, losing their careers and homes, which would have been terrifying.
So the idea of The Duplex was born.
On the right side of the duplex, Cliff, a witty, role with the punches and live life to the fullest /life of the party type was to be “married” to Dot a school teacher whose mother was constantly asking her about marriage. Their respective partners were to occupy the left side of the duplex. Jerry was an attorney originally from a small town and an overthinker that came up with the idea of the duplex and was to be “married” to Barbara a tough and detailed woman and an attorney who admired a father that taught her to think for herself, but had not accepted her sexuality. Each chapter is from the POV of ones of these characters which offers insight to their past and their current thoughts as the struggle through what they want vs what is “normal”
Although the duplex was possibly their best option, the scheme doesn’t come without it’s own struggles. There were a lot questions the characters had and situations, that likely, arose in that time period.
Topics touched upon were racism, homosexuality as an illness, whether homosexuals should be parents and how, gay marriage and also the prejudices within of the gay community of conservative gays vs. flamboyant gays and so many more.
I thought this book was a great read. I loved the banter between the friends. The book was sad from the perspective of how things were in the 50’s, but something that should not be forgotten. I enjoyed the journey of each of the characters and their personal POVs resulting in a satisfying ending
A lot of people born in the 1930’s and 1940’s thought that the 1950’s were America’s best years. This decade was a period of conformity. Men and women conformed to their assigned gender roles. A stereotypical family was made up of a father, mother and 2.5 children. Men were the breadwinners and most women stayed home to tend to the house and children. Girls were to be nice and boys need to be strong. So, imagine how hard it would to be in a same-sex relationship in a time when it was not accepted. That was the challenge for the characters in this book …to appear “normal” but live their lives as they wished (in private). Going out to bars to meet people could result in arrests, losing their careers and homes, which would have been terrifying.
So the idea of The Duplex was born.
On the right side of the duplex, Cliff, a witty, role with the punches and live life to the fullest /life of the party type was to be “married” to Dot a school teacher whose mother was constantly asking her about marriage. Their respective partners were to occupy the left side of the duplex. Jerry was an attorney originally from a small town and an overthinker that came up with the idea of the duplex and was to be “married” to Barbara a tough and detailed woman and an attorney who admired a father that taught her to think for herself, but had not accepted her sexuality. Each chapter is from the POV of ones of these characters which offers insight to their past and their current thoughts as the struggle through what they want vs what is “normal”
Although the duplex was possibly their best option, the scheme doesn’t come without it’s own struggles. There were a lot questions the characters had and situations, that likely, arose in that time period.
Topics touched upon were racism, homosexuality as an illness, whether homosexuals should be parents and how, gay marriage and also the prejudices within of the gay community of conservative gays vs. flamboyant gays and so many more.
I thought this book was a great read. I loved the banter between the friends. The book was sad from the perspective of how things were in the 50’s, but something that should not be forgotten. I enjoyed the journey of each of the characters and their personal POVs resulting in a satisfying ending
May 18, 2020
Publishers Synopsis:
Los Angeles, 1956. Shangri-La. Palm trees, swimming pools, movie stars. And if you’re gay–persecution. In a society that demands conformity and lockstep conventionality, gay people find out quickly and the hard way, how difficult, dangerous and downright terrifying it is to be different.
So, when the constant fear of arrests, evictions, job loss and ridicule become too much, four gay friends and lovers pull together to hatch an ingenious scheme designed to allow them to live freely, without harassment.
But their secret plan is not without its flaws. Internal struggles and personality conflicts conspire to make their situation harder and more life-altering than any of them could have predicted, leading to valuable and universal lessons about the high cost of blending in–or not.
Review:
What a wild ride! Firstly, I have no idea if the laws relating to homosexuality in the book were actually real. I want to do some research but I sort of don’t in case it ruins the book (and honestly my life) but either way it wouldn’t affect the review. I’m sure if even untrue that the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of the characters in this book are certainly an extension of what it felt like to live life as a homosexual in the 1950’s. Lucky Stevens perfectly depicts the emotions of all four characters, enough to keep you glued to the pages and crying with them. This book was super different for me, and it was exactly what I needed, something completely different to the 5 books already on the go that had me super bored. Stevens jumps from each character to make chapters, so if you don’t like books with the story coming from, or jumping from, multiple characters, this isn’t for you. But I really love how it was written like each character was writing in their journal, and the reader is the journal. Each character had their own idiosyncrasies and ways that they spoke, totally true to their character, it just made me believe that they were real. Overall, I loved it. Books that tug on my heart strings always have be giving them good ratings. I wanted to give this 3.5 stars, but I don’t do half stars (yet).
Rated 4/5 Stars
Los Angeles, 1956. Shangri-La. Palm trees, swimming pools, movie stars. And if you’re gay–persecution. In a society that demands conformity and lockstep conventionality, gay people find out quickly and the hard way, how difficult, dangerous and downright terrifying it is to be different.
So, when the constant fear of arrests, evictions, job loss and ridicule become too much, four gay friends and lovers pull together to hatch an ingenious scheme designed to allow them to live freely, without harassment.
But their secret plan is not without its flaws. Internal struggles and personality conflicts conspire to make their situation harder and more life-altering than any of them could have predicted, leading to valuable and universal lessons about the high cost of blending in–or not.
Review:
What a wild ride! Firstly, I have no idea if the laws relating to homosexuality in the book were actually real. I want to do some research but I sort of don’t in case it ruins the book (and honestly my life) but either way it wouldn’t affect the review. I’m sure if even untrue that the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of the characters in this book are certainly an extension of what it felt like to live life as a homosexual in the 1950’s. Lucky Stevens perfectly depicts the emotions of all four characters, enough to keep you glued to the pages and crying with them. This book was super different for me, and it was exactly what I needed, something completely different to the 5 books already on the go that had me super bored. Stevens jumps from each character to make chapters, so if you don’t like books with the story coming from, or jumping from, multiple characters, this isn’t for you. But I really love how it was written like each character was writing in their journal, and the reader is the journal. Each character had their own idiosyncrasies and ways that they spoke, totally true to their character, it just made me believe that they were real. Overall, I loved it. Books that tug on my heart strings always have be giving them good ratings. I wanted to give this 3.5 stars, but I don’t do half stars (yet).
Rated 4/5 Stars
May 1, 2020
The Duplex follows the lives of four gay friends and lovers living in Los Angeles in the 1950s, They deal with so much while just trying to live life.
The book is written in a way you understand each individuals life personally because they each tell their story in first person. I loved the way it was written and I learned so much about how much things have changed and stayed the same for the LGBTQ community. A very fun, fast paced and entertaining read. I loved the characters and their humor and energy.
I would like to thank NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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"I don't know. Maybe I'm sick. I must be. Even the Psychiatric Association says so. These are doctors. Trained professionals, after all."
The book is written in a way you understand each individuals life personally because they each tell their story in first person. I loved the way it was written and I learned so much about how much things have changed and stayed the same for the LGBTQ community. A very fun, fast paced and entertaining read. I loved the characters and their humor and energy.
I would like to thank NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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October 3, 2021
I have to admit, this book was much less interesting than what it started out to be, and what I interpreted from the cover. Despite the opening scene, though, this petered out after the first quarter of the book. The characters were interesting enough, but with most of them, something was lacking. The only one I felt connected to was Jerry. Dot, partially, but she came with her own set of problems. Even though all these characters did have interesting problems, they were really not compelling enough for me to follow.
I will say there were a few things that threw me for a loop, but not in a good way. Most of the LGBT literature I've read in the past is about embracing who you are. While I know this was less possible in the 1950's, I was still upset to see what became of some of these characters. There were certain ways that characters, especially Cliff and Dot, viewed their identities that didn't sit well with me.
I also knew there was something I didn't like about Cliff from the beginning, even beyond his perception of his identity. It is rare that, in a book with multiple points of view, the first character we meet is the one I like the least, because this character's opinions set the scene for the rest of the story, or at least the beginning. However, with Cliff this was the case. Despite this, I didn't feel like there were any "useless POV's," or unnecessary parts of the story.
This is a book I have to say TGIF (Thank Goodreads It's Free) on, because I would not have appreciated it if I or someone else had spent money on it. The premise and beginning scenes were a much better lead up than the actual story.
As an aside, I did notice a fair amount of grammar issues. Not enough to derail from plot, but enough to focus on. If anyone from the publishing company is reading this, please reach out and I'll point some of them out for revision.
Disclaimer:
I will say there were a few things that threw me for a loop, but not in a good way. Most of the LGBT literature I've read in the past is about embracing who you are. While I know this was less possible in the 1950's, I was still upset to see what became of some of these characters. There were certain ways that characters, especially Cliff and Dot, viewed their identities that didn't sit well with me.
I also knew there was something I didn't like about Cliff from the beginning, even beyond his perception of his identity. It is rare that, in a book with multiple points of view, the first character we meet is the one I like the least, because this character's opinions set the scene for the rest of the story, or at least the beginning. However, with Cliff this was the case. Despite this, I didn't feel like there were any "useless POV's," or unnecessary parts of the story.
This is a book I have to say TGIF (Thank Goodreads It's Free) on, because I would not have appreciated it if I or someone else had spent money on it. The premise and beginning scenes were a much better lead up than the actual story.
As an aside, I did notice a fair amount of grammar issues. Not enough to derail from plot, but enough to focus on. If anyone from the publishing company is reading this, please reach out and I'll point some of them out for revision.
Disclaimer:
July 14, 2020
While many people strive to be “normal,” four main characters find that the appearance of being normal is the only way to survive in Los Angeles in 1956. However, their normal is more of a display for the outside to show they are following society’s rules. This book exposes a time when being LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual) in L.A. was scary, dangerous, and terrifying. Four friends come up with a brilliant plan to deter them from being harassed and attacked by the police and society. They decide to rent both sides of a duplex, pretend to be two heterosexual married couples, when in fact they are a lesbian couple and a gay couple. They added a secret door between the two homes so they could come and go with ease and no one would be the wiser that it wasn’t two perfect couples living on each side.
I really liked the story line of this book and found it quite creative and entertaining. This idea could have easily been a new TV show drama like Will and Grace, Partners, or Please Like Me.
I found the characters to be very realistic, authentic, and genuine. I could easily see these characters as real people. They had real flaws, real problems, and real lives. However, I didn’t necessarily connect with them as I have never had to go through anything like they have. I couldn’t imagine being hunted down, entrapped, and constantly have to be on guard for my safety or worry that society wouldn't approve of who I chose to date.
I also really liked that each main character, Jerry, Cliff, Dot, and Barbara each brought something unique to the group and the story line. Plus, each character went through many different experiences, and even readers, like me, that aren’t LGBTQIA, can still understand and/or relate to. For example, Dot’s mom is repeatedly asking her when is she going to marry? As a single lady in my early 30s, I certainly hear that question from family. Dot is only 24 and I probably have been hearing that question since I was at least that young lol. Or like Barbara and Jerry, whose co-workers are oftentimes trying to set them up with a friend or family member. I’ve certainly gotten that one lol.
I know the LGBTQIA crowd has always had it difficult, especially in current times with Trump. But I had no idea that they were so heavily persecuted and pressured to conform in the 1950s. Or that the police hired guys to pretend to be gay to entrap gay men and have them arrested. Or that it usually went even further than arrests and assaults – these victims would face losing their job, losing their home, going to prison, humiliation, violation, and ridicule. If they were caught in any suspicion of gay activity they were charged as so and/or had those notions broadcasted as an announcement to embarrass them and create more backlash and hate. This was just ugly and horrifying!! I couldn’t imagine living in that kind of fear. So, what these characters did to protect themselves was genius!! Unfortunately, with so many personalities clashing and the pressure of having to keep so many lies it wasn’t long before it would all come crashing down.
With all the scrutiny these characters faced it showed how brave, strong, and inspiring these individuals were!! Definitely characters worth cheering for!!
I enjoyed the fun, silly, witty banter between the characters! There were many LOL moments – especially with Cliff being a sly, charismatic fella!
I also enjoyed that the author used old language from the 50s – like doll, rube, mete out, etc. It made the story feel more accurate.
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few very unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
I liked that this book had many, but short chapters as they were well-written, concise, and easily flowed. Each chapter was told from a specific character’s point-of-view with four main characters in total being featured. I liked this because each chapter was titled with the character’s name, so it was easy to follow whose story was being told. Plus, each character had their own distinct voice which made following along smooth and effortless.
This book is on the longer side, at 311 eBook pages. It does lavish on some details, but it is mostly to the point. I feel even though it was a long journey to the end, every chapter and scene was needed to make this book the success that it is.
This book is not currently listed as part of a book series. It can be read as a standalone. Thankfully, this book does have an enjoyable, tidy ending.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it! I think all LGBTQIA readers, historical LGBT fiction fans, and really anyone interested in an intriguing L.A. historical read with four strong characters from different paths will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
I really liked the story line of this book and found it quite creative and entertaining. This idea could have easily been a new TV show drama like Will and Grace, Partners, or Please Like Me.
I found the characters to be very realistic, authentic, and genuine. I could easily see these characters as real people. They had real flaws, real problems, and real lives. However, I didn’t necessarily connect with them as I have never had to go through anything like they have. I couldn’t imagine being hunted down, entrapped, and constantly have to be on guard for my safety or worry that society wouldn't approve of who I chose to date.
I also really liked that each main character, Jerry, Cliff, Dot, and Barbara each brought something unique to the group and the story line. Plus, each character went through many different experiences, and even readers, like me, that aren’t LGBTQIA, can still understand and/or relate to. For example, Dot’s mom is repeatedly asking her when is she going to marry? As a single lady in my early 30s, I certainly hear that question from family. Dot is only 24 and I probably have been hearing that question since I was at least that young lol. Or like Barbara and Jerry, whose co-workers are oftentimes trying to set them up with a friend or family member. I’ve certainly gotten that one lol.
I know the LGBTQIA crowd has always had it difficult, especially in current times with Trump. But I had no idea that they were so heavily persecuted and pressured to conform in the 1950s. Or that the police hired guys to pretend to be gay to entrap gay men and have them arrested. Or that it usually went even further than arrests and assaults – these victims would face losing their job, losing their home, going to prison, humiliation, violation, and ridicule. If they were caught in any suspicion of gay activity they were charged as so and/or had those notions broadcasted as an announcement to embarrass them and create more backlash and hate. This was just ugly and horrifying!! I couldn’t imagine living in that kind of fear. So, what these characters did to protect themselves was genius!! Unfortunately, with so many personalities clashing and the pressure of having to keep so many lies it wasn’t long before it would all come crashing down.
With all the scrutiny these characters faced it showed how brave, strong, and inspiring these individuals were!! Definitely characters worth cheering for!!
I enjoyed the fun, silly, witty banter between the characters! There were many LOL moments – especially with Cliff being a sly, charismatic fella!
I also enjoyed that the author used old language from the 50s – like doll, rube, mete out, etc. It made the story feel more accurate.
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few very unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
I liked that this book had many, but short chapters as they were well-written, concise, and easily flowed. Each chapter was told from a specific character’s point-of-view with four main characters in total being featured. I liked this because each chapter was titled with the character’s name, so it was easy to follow whose story was being told. Plus, each character had their own distinct voice which made following along smooth and effortless.
This book is on the longer side, at 311 eBook pages. It does lavish on some details, but it is mostly to the point. I feel even though it was a long journey to the end, every chapter and scene was needed to make this book the success that it is.
This book is not currently listed as part of a book series. It can be read as a standalone. Thankfully, this book does have an enjoyable, tidy ending.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it! I think all LGBTQIA readers, historical LGBT fiction fans, and really anyone interested in an intriguing L.A. historical read with four strong characters from different paths will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
June 15, 2020
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3,5 stars.
I find it difficult to rate this book properly. On the one hand I thought it was an entertaining read, and it felt very authentic. I could see that the author put quite some research into it. Language, the whole atmosphere, it all felt like the fifties and I really enjoyed that. On the other hand there were some things, story-wise, that bothered me a little bit.
We meet 4 gay people, 2 girls, 2 boys, who form a friendship and who think to have found a solution to their 'gay-problems' by pretending to be married couples and rent a duplex together, so the outside world would not be able to see that, in fact, the girls lived together, as well as the boys. It was quite a complicated solution, but it sounded good enough to make them think they would be able to fool everyone. Of course, once they do live together, it all appeared to be a bit more complicated than they imagined it would be. Due to the author's writing, we never forget it's the 50's, when life as a gay woman or man was very much in the obscure. It could endanger your job, your social life in general, your own life as well, because you could end up in jail for it. The LAPD didn't seem as an enforcement that gave the gay community the blind eye. On the contrary. They often used harassment to at least scare gay people off, never let them forget they were being watched and could be arrested any time they acted upon their feelings.
Of course, at one moment, it all derails. You could sense that coming, but the catalyst to it was something I felt coming a bit out of the blue. One of the girls suddenly feels the need to become a mother, and with her way of life (as a lesbian living with another woman) that would never happen. What surprised me, was the fact that this craving seemed to come so sudden. We get all 4 pov's and she hardly mentions the longing for motherhood. I would say, even on the contrary, because she feels pushed by her mother’s expectations for marriage and for forming a family of her own. Until she meets a former highschoolfriend, who has 2 kids, and that suddenly seems to inspire her so much that, at one point, she even leaves her girlfriend and starts a whole new life as a married woman with kids. That was a bit drastic, it seemed to me at least, and I never really understood her actions. I mean, she must have loved the woman she was with, and though she does feel sorry and though her heart breaks, she still goes off to live a life in denial of the woman she truly is.
As for the boys, I enjoyed the way the author characterized them; one of them overthinks everything that happens, the other one just lives by the day and sees where life takes him. But, I also wondered how steady their relationship could be after the short period of time they knew each other before moving in together. I have to admit that I had a bit of a problem to feel their connection. And then, when the cheating finally happens, it's not very surprising.
So, that's when it all falls apart.
In short, I really enjoyed the story up until the group started to fall apart and they all went their own ways, until the duplex is yet again the place where they find each other again, except for the one girl who went off to become a mother. The first part of the book really got me, the second part not so much. Which is partly why I find it difficult to rate. I guess 3,5 stars would be the best I can rate it. I'll rate it up to 4 because of the engaging writing style and the effort the author made to give it the authentic fifties vibe it has. It makes for an entertaining read all in all and it gives you a good insight of how life was for gay people at the time.
3,5 stars.
I find it difficult to rate this book properly. On the one hand I thought it was an entertaining read, and it felt very authentic. I could see that the author put quite some research into it. Language, the whole atmosphere, it all felt like the fifties and I really enjoyed that. On the other hand there were some things, story-wise, that bothered me a little bit.
We meet 4 gay people, 2 girls, 2 boys, who form a friendship and who think to have found a solution to their 'gay-problems' by pretending to be married couples and rent a duplex together, so the outside world would not be able to see that, in fact, the girls lived together, as well as the boys. It was quite a complicated solution, but it sounded good enough to make them think they would be able to fool everyone. Of course, once they do live together, it all appeared to be a bit more complicated than they imagined it would be. Due to the author's writing, we never forget it's the 50's, when life as a gay woman or man was very much in the obscure. It could endanger your job, your social life in general, your own life as well, because you could end up in jail for it. The LAPD didn't seem as an enforcement that gave the gay community the blind eye. On the contrary. They often used harassment to at least scare gay people off, never let them forget they were being watched and could be arrested any time they acted upon their feelings.
Of course, at one moment, it all derails. You could sense that coming, but the catalyst to it was something I felt coming a bit out of the blue. One of the girls suddenly feels the need to become a mother, and with her way of life (as a lesbian living with another woman) that would never happen. What surprised me, was the fact that this craving seemed to come so sudden. We get all 4 pov's and she hardly mentions the longing for motherhood. I would say, even on the contrary, because she feels pushed by her mother’s expectations for marriage and for forming a family of her own. Until she meets a former highschoolfriend, who has 2 kids, and that suddenly seems to inspire her so much that, at one point, she even leaves her girlfriend and starts a whole new life as a married woman with kids. That was a bit drastic, it seemed to me at least, and I never really understood her actions. I mean, she must have loved the woman she was with, and though she does feel sorry and though her heart breaks, she still goes off to live a life in denial of the woman she truly is.
As for the boys, I enjoyed the way the author characterized them; one of them overthinks everything that happens, the other one just lives by the day and sees where life takes him. But, I also wondered how steady their relationship could be after the short period of time they knew each other before moving in together. I have to admit that I had a bit of a problem to feel their connection. And then, when the cheating finally happens, it's not very surprising.
So, that's when it all falls apart.
In short, I really enjoyed the story up until the group started to fall apart and they all went their own ways, until the duplex is yet again the place where they find each other again, except for the one girl who went off to become a mother. The first part of the book really got me, the second part not so much. Which is partly why I find it difficult to rate. I guess 3,5 stars would be the best I can rate it. I'll rate it up to 4 because of the engaging writing style and the effort the author made to give it the authentic fifties vibe it has. It makes for an entertaining read all in all and it gives you a good insight of how life was for gay people at the time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2020
This book had a great premise, and overall the plot structure was very strong throughout. But unfortunately the writing was just not able to support it. I did finish it, but I think if I had been any less desperate to read something non-straight I would've DNFed.
I think the biggest disappointment was the characters -- I couldn't really get behind any of them. Of the main four, the men were entirely unlikable (both of them do redeem themselves somewhat late in the book -- but too late, when there's nobody else to like for the first three quarters or so of the book), and the women were so underdeveloped that I often forgot whose perspective I was reading mid-chapter, especially early on. I did like that we got chapters from each of them, but their voices weren't always distinct enough, there was too much time spent rehashing old events we'd already seen from a different character's perspective, and most crucially, the way characters behaved too often just didn't feel believable, even if the situations themselves did. An example -- and spoiler, sorry -- would be Dot's departure. That it happened itself was perfectly believable (although I won't lie, something about seeing a lesbian protagonist constantly throw herself at men does irk me to read, but I get it), but the way she conducts herself through the departure really doesn't. I mean, no matter how tormented she is, does it make sense for her to just prance off without a word to either of the men, when her disappearance could've easily sent the whole duplex arrangement crumbling? We haven't seen her character as anywhere near that self-centred up until this point, so it's jarring and seems nonsensical. Similarly, her scene before that where she strips completely unprompted and with no warning just because she wants kids (something plenty of women want without it inducing them to whip off their clothes and throw themselves at the nearest gay male couple who have given them absolutely no indication that they'd be interested in that sort of thing) -- it's so abrupt, it just isn't how human beings act, and since we have nothing prior to that to indicate why she would do something so unrealistic, it kills the reading experience. Again -- the situation itself of Dot exploring the option of having her much-desired children with either of the two men she lives with ISN'T unreasonable, but the way she conducts herself in that situation is.
Instances like that are just too common in this book, and they're just not enjoyable or engaging to read. But I really did think the plot was brilliant, and an outline alone would've been 5-star worthy -- it's just the filling out that drags it down.
Just so I don't end on too negative a note -- I really loved the series of Jerry and Barbara chapters towards the end. That section was the most invested I ever felt in this story -- the cliffhanger endings for each of these chapters were enormously compelling.
I think the biggest disappointment was the characters -- I couldn't really get behind any of them. Of the main four, the men were entirely unlikable (both of them do redeem themselves somewhat late in the book -- but too late, when there's nobody else to like for the first three quarters or so of the book), and the women were so underdeveloped that I often forgot whose perspective I was reading mid-chapter, especially early on. I did like that we got chapters from each of them, but their voices weren't always distinct enough, there was too much time spent rehashing old events we'd already seen from a different character's perspective, and most crucially, the way characters behaved too often just didn't feel believable, even if the situations themselves did. An example -- and spoiler, sorry -- would be Dot's departure. That it happened itself was perfectly believable (although I won't lie, something about seeing a lesbian protagonist constantly throw herself at men does irk me to read, but I get it), but the way she conducts herself through the departure really doesn't. I mean, no matter how tormented she is, does it make sense for her to just prance off without a word to either of the men, when her disappearance could've easily sent the whole duplex arrangement crumbling? We haven't seen her character as anywhere near that self-centred up until this point, so it's jarring and seems nonsensical. Similarly, her scene before that where she strips completely unprompted and with no warning just because she wants kids (something plenty of women want without it inducing them to whip off their clothes and throw themselves at the nearest gay male couple who have given them absolutely no indication that they'd be interested in that sort of thing) -- it's so abrupt, it just isn't how human beings act, and since we have nothing prior to that to indicate why she would do something so unrealistic, it kills the reading experience. Again -- the situation itself of Dot exploring the option of having her much-desired children with either of the two men she lives with ISN'T unreasonable, but the way she conducts herself in that situation is.
Instances like that are just too common in this book, and they're just not enjoyable or engaging to read. But I really did think the plot was brilliant, and an outline alone would've been 5-star worthy -- it's just the filling out that drags it down.
Just so I don't end on too negative a note -- I really loved the series of Jerry and Barbara chapters towards the end. That section was the most invested I ever felt in this story -- the cliffhanger endings for each of these chapters were enormously compelling.
June 21, 2020
**A free copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review via the MM Romance Group ‘Don’t Buy My Love’ program.**
A one of a kind story.
'The Duplex' took me through a rollercoaster of emotions and though it is centered around the gang of 4 friends, the story highlights the changing times and sentiments of the western world in the 1950s.
Be it the struggle of being different, of having to hide one's identity, the pressure to conform to societal expectations, the fear of being caught and blacklisted as a criminal and also hoping for the semblance of life that is normal and truly free.
The story also touches upon themes of racial discrimination and the prejudice that existed within the LGBT community itself during those times. In a way, it also traces the journey of the 4 characters- Jerry on his quest to find happiness, Dot on what her heart wants, Barbara on living the life she envisioned with no regrets and Cliff who finally gets a taste of what it is to live.
The writing style is engaging though it did take me a bit to get used to the multi-POV ( but trust me on this, it works out very well). The descriptions of LA of the 1950s were interesting to read and the author has done a great job describing the fashion, social lifestyle, movies and housing in that era. I loved the way the author has written Cliff- The whimsical brat who's full of banter but has an empty soul and Barbara - a strong, determined, no nonsense personality.
What really stood out for me was how realistic this story was. It is uninhibitedly real, raw and intense. A very bold attempt amidst the cliched stories that we usually find.
It's not your typical romance but it will leave you with a smile on your face and with a heart full of admiration for the men and women whose struggles and work were pivotal in the history of the LGBT community.
A one of a kind story.
'The Duplex' took me through a rollercoaster of emotions and though it is centered around the gang of 4 friends, the story highlights the changing times and sentiments of the western world in the 1950s.
Be it the struggle of being different, of having to hide one's identity, the pressure to conform to societal expectations, the fear of being caught and blacklisted as a criminal and also hoping for the semblance of life that is normal and truly free.
|"I wonder about the guys, guys who’ve never even met me, who hate me because I’m gay. Just because I’m gay. I’m not bothering them."|
The story also touches upon themes of racial discrimination and the prejudice that existed within the LGBT community itself during those times. In a way, it also traces the journey of the 4 characters- Jerry on his quest to find happiness, Dot on what her heart wants, Barbara on living the life she envisioned with no regrets and Cliff who finally gets a taste of what it is to live.
The writing style is engaging though it did take me a bit to get used to the multi-POV ( but trust me on this, it works out very well). The descriptions of LA of the 1950s were interesting to read and the author has done a great job describing the fashion, social lifestyle, movies and housing in that era. I loved the way the author has written Cliff- The whimsical brat who's full of banter but has an empty soul and Barbara - a strong, determined, no nonsense personality.
What really stood out for me was how realistic this story was. It is uninhibitedly real, raw and intense. A very bold attempt amidst the cliched stories that we usually find.
It's not your typical romance but it will leave you with a smile on your face and with a heart full of admiration for the men and women whose struggles and work were pivotal in the history of the LGBT community.
July 7, 2020
3.5 stars
“The Duplex” by Lucky Stevens is a unique look at the challenges and dangers of pursuing same-sex relationships during the mid-1950s in the United States. Set primarily in Los Angeles, this story follows four individuals who join forces to cope with the difficulties of living life contrary to the accepted norm. Their inventive solution is perfect for them…or is it?
This historical gay fiction story is told in alternating first-person point of view and offers a unique look at society and its challenges for those who are attracted to someone of their own gender. Each chapter is told from the point of view of each member of a quartet (Jerry, Dot, Barbara, and Cliff) as they get to know each other and eventually become the tenants of a unique house. There are fun glimpses of Los Angeles during the 1950’s, with allusions to some of the big names of Hollywood during this era, but there are also heartbreaking and horrifying scenes that show how dangerous it was to follow one’s inclinations during this time.
I think the author did a nice job of evoking picturesque scenes (although I cringed at the amount of cigarette smoking that took place) and painted a thought-provoking portrait of homophobia and the many obstacles that homosexuals dealt with. I was disconcerted by the first-person voice for so many characters and disappointed that this didn’t result in a more in-depth picture of each character. I had trouble making a connection with any of the quartet, and I thought some of the life-changing events were a bit abrupt and maybe even a bit inconsistent with the character’s behavior up to that point.
This story makes me aware of just far we’ve come in the past decades and provided an intriguing glimpse of a particular segment of society during the mid-1950s. Those in search of a unique look at society’s prejudices and the attempts to circumvent them should give this story a try.
A copy of this title was provided for review
“The Duplex” by Lucky Stevens is a unique look at the challenges and dangers of pursuing same-sex relationships during the mid-1950s in the United States. Set primarily in Los Angeles, this story follows four individuals who join forces to cope with the difficulties of living life contrary to the accepted norm. Their inventive solution is perfect for them…or is it?
This historical gay fiction story is told in alternating first-person point of view and offers a unique look at society and its challenges for those who are attracted to someone of their own gender. Each chapter is told from the point of view of each member of a quartet (Jerry, Dot, Barbara, and Cliff) as they get to know each other and eventually become the tenants of a unique house. There are fun glimpses of Los Angeles during the 1950’s, with allusions to some of the big names of Hollywood during this era, but there are also heartbreaking and horrifying scenes that show how dangerous it was to follow one’s inclinations during this time.
I think the author did a nice job of evoking picturesque scenes (although I cringed at the amount of cigarette smoking that took place) and painted a thought-provoking portrait of homophobia and the many obstacles that homosexuals dealt with. I was disconcerted by the first-person voice for so many characters and disappointed that this didn’t result in a more in-depth picture of each character. I had trouble making a connection with any of the quartet, and I thought some of the life-changing events were a bit abrupt and maybe even a bit inconsistent with the character’s behavior up to that point.
This story makes me aware of just far we’ve come in the past decades and provided an intriguing glimpse of a particular segment of society during the mid-1950s. Those in search of a unique look at society’s prejudices and the attempts to circumvent them should give this story a try.
A copy of this title was provided for review
August 6, 2020
In The Duplex, Lucky Stevens has written a story that both packs a punch and needs to be told.
I liked so many things about this book, including the way Stevens captures the fifties along with all its many ingrained biases. I enjoyed watching the tale evolve through the eyes of four protagonists, often seeing the same incident through different points of view. I appreciated how Stevens demonstrated the way prejudices against any group seep into the beliefs and self-images of those most adversely affected until they begin to doubt themselves. Sometimes it was painful to read, but, as I said, it’s a story worth telling.
In fact, I liked almost everything about this compelling tale. It moved quickly, and the voices rang true. I suppose one could complain that certain aspects of the two gay men, and two lesbian women, were too stereotypical, and they would have a point. I suppose others might struggle with four alternating first-person points of view, although I liked it.
Some might prefer a neater, more happily-ever-after ending for all, but I thought the ending worked fine. Without giving anything away I’ll just say things get messy but happiness is found, much like in real life.
I recommend this book to anyone, but especially those who like historical novels, are fascinated by the 1950s, or are fans of reading about Los Angeles. The novel may appeal to those in the LGBTQ+ community, but I have a special recommendation and this one comes from the heart.
I HIGHLY (caps intended) recommend this novel to those with close friends or family members who are LGBTQ. It’s an eye-opening look at the world they could be living in. I know it made me aware of the need for us all to be vigilant about preserving the basic human rights this group has had to fight so hard for. This novel is important food for thought for a caring community.
I liked so many things about this book, including the way Stevens captures the fifties along with all its many ingrained biases. I enjoyed watching the tale evolve through the eyes of four protagonists, often seeing the same incident through different points of view. I appreciated how Stevens demonstrated the way prejudices against any group seep into the beliefs and self-images of those most adversely affected until they begin to doubt themselves. Sometimes it was painful to read, but, as I said, it’s a story worth telling.
In fact, I liked almost everything about this compelling tale. It moved quickly, and the voices rang true. I suppose one could complain that certain aspects of the two gay men, and two lesbian women, were too stereotypical, and they would have a point. I suppose others might struggle with four alternating first-person points of view, although I liked it.
Some might prefer a neater, more happily-ever-after ending for all, but I thought the ending worked fine. Without giving anything away I’ll just say things get messy but happiness is found, much like in real life.
I recommend this book to anyone, but especially those who like historical novels, are fascinated by the 1950s, or are fans of reading about Los Angeles. The novel may appeal to those in the LGBTQ+ community, but I have a special recommendation and this one comes from the heart.
I HIGHLY (caps intended) recommend this novel to those with close friends or family members who are LGBTQ. It’s an eye-opening look at the world they could be living in. I know it made me aware of the need for us all to be vigilant about preserving the basic human rights this group has had to fight so hard for. This novel is important food for thought for a caring community.
July 9, 2020
Full disclaimer: I have very mixed feelings about this book. I won it as a giveaway on Goodreads, and I believe it was an uncorrected copy I received. There were a few trans-positional errors and some style issues that tripped me up, for which I deducted a star. I was able to figure them out and the plot was easy enough to follow. The book is told in first person narrative by the four main characters—Barbara, Cliff, Dot, and Jerry. All are gay, the four decide it’s best to live in a duplex posing as two straight married couples side by side. Interesting concept, but fraught with issues (understandably). Set in the 1950s in LA, the book covers racial tensions, homophobia, internalized homophobia, and gender dynamics, among other subtopics that go along with these main categories. At times, the writing definitely needed to be brushed up and organized better. I didn’t like waiting so far into the book for the true climax. But I felt it was a “light” summer read, so I’d give it three stars.
August 10, 2020
Lucky Stevens tells a complex tale of two couples trying to survive during a time of hatred and isolation. Their solution? Hide in plain sight. Stevens shares the true LGBTQ+ history of the time when he tells the tale of Barbara, Dot, Jerry, and Cliff.
The Duplex is supposed to be their safe haven, but is a prison that is self-made any different than one that is made by someone else? Stevens takes the time to lay the foundation of each character to show how they reached the point of desperation to try and fool the world and themselves. Then Stevens shows the aftermath of their decision and how the world can still impact how we feel about ourselves.
The Duplex is a character driven story with rich history. Stevens gives us a glimpse in time just as easily as slipping through a closet door in between apartments.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
The Duplex is supposed to be their safe haven, but is a prison that is self-made any different than one that is made by someone else? Stevens takes the time to lay the foundation of each character to show how they reached the point of desperation to try and fool the world and themselves. Then Stevens shows the aftermath of their decision and how the world can still impact how we feel about ourselves.
The Duplex is a character driven story with rich history. Stevens gives us a glimpse in time just as easily as slipping through a closet door in between apartments.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
May 22, 2020
Well, this was very different from my usual choices - set in 1950s America, it concerns two gay couples and how they take lavender dating to a whole new level. The book is interesting as it expounds the difficulties encountered by gays in that era - how they could be prosecuted, how the police entrapped them using 'Hollywood Rejects', how prejudice against gays was probably only just exceeded by the prejudice against blacks.
It makes for an interesting read - the story holds firm, there is no preaching or proselytizing. And nothing to scare the horses if you aren't gay!
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It makes for an interesting read - the story holds firm, there is no preaching or proselytizing. And nothing to scare the horses if you aren't gay!
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2021
This was an sad but interesting look into how the gay scene was in the 1950's. The four principle characters arranged to present an appearance acceptable to society but, of course, one thing lead to another and the angst built and the relationships fell apart. It was told in alternating chapters from each of the four's perspectives. There were light hearted moments but some horrifying ones too. It was an enjoyable read but also disturbing images of how society was not so long ago.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
June 14, 2020
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Starting this novel, I was happy to meet each character through good descriptive prose and their lively bantering. Confronting the intense pressure of being gay in the 50s, along with persecution, means that this group stand up for themselves as well as pursuing their goals for happiness and security. Good reading.
Starting this novel, I was happy to meet each character through good descriptive prose and their lively bantering. Confronting the intense pressure of being gay in the 50s, along with persecution, means that this group stand up for themselves as well as pursuing their goals for happiness and security. Good reading.
July 1, 2020
I love a well written book with the major focus around gay characters, especially set in a time when being gay still wasn’t widely accepted. The storyline was somewhat predictable but does wrap up nicely. A great read during Pride month. Will recommend to some of my friends for sure.
Source: I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Source: I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 9, 2020
Received as an ARC from Netgally. A quick easy read about life in the 50's and fitting in. Enjoyed the book from the different characters POV. Got a little slow in the middle but otherwise enjoyed it. Interesting to see how views have change or not changed as the case may be over the decades.
June 18, 2020
Good read
While at first I found the story a bit predictable , I think the narrative remains an important reminder of LGBTQ+ struggles in generations past. I got this book as part of a giveaway.
While at first I found the story a bit predictable , I think the narrative remains an important reminder of LGBTQ+ struggles in generations past. I got this book as part of a giveaway.
May 22, 2020
I really enjoyed the multiple points of view, the historical perspective, and the unexpected twists. Sometimes is easy to forget the lengths members of the lgbtq+ had to go just to live their lives.
July 8, 2021
So it has taken me a minute to get to where I could write a review on this book just because I didn’t want to rush through it. If you want a book that is fun, entertaining, and gives you just a bit of historical context; then this is definitely a fun book to read. I think the premise of the book and the way that the stories unfolded of each character worked very well to keep me entertained. This channel is not the type of book I probably would’ve picked up but am very happy I did. I think the current generation definitely needs more stories like this.
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