This is an utterly charming and sweet story about an enduring friendship between two men over many years. Honestly, if you had told me that this was a book written by Alan Hollinghurst or Edmund White, I wouldn’t have been surprised, as this has a nostalgic feel to it.
Ben is a young actor in England who isn’t particularly ambitious or successful. When a guy he met at the gym suggests he work for an escort service, it’s the last thing Ben could imagine doing. But after a while, with money running low and no real prospects on the horizon, he decides to give it a try.
Ben’s experiences are interesting, as he’s generally sent to provide “massages” to wealthy older gentlemen. While he doesn’t necessarily get enjoyment for the actual act, his knack for conversation and his intelligence makes him a more sought-after companion. And for the first time, he has enough money to pamper himself a bit.
After a random encounter turns alarming, Ben decides he no longer wants to work for the escort service. But just a few weeks later, his ex-boss asks if he could take one more appointment. Although he agrees reluctantly, ringing that last doorbell changes his life.
This is one of those books that gives you the ending at the start, so you ultimately know where the story will lead, but it’s the journey that is beautiful to read about. The prose gets a bit verbose at times, but the main characters are so likable you get caught up in their story.
The book will publish 8/28.
No comments:
Post a Comment