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| Characterization and continuity is imperative in John Frazier's "It Seems to Hang On." The main characters in this novella, Jared Walker and Malcolm Black were presented through the immediate establishment of their parents. Jared lived a pleasant life compared to Malcolm; despite his parents being killed in an airplane crash as a teenager. |
On the other hand, Malcolm struggles with his mother's erratic behavior toward him because of the absence of his father. The emergence of identity in the lives of both Jared and Malcolm, as teenagers becomes a factor in their personal development.
Moreover, Jared and Malcolm reacts differently to the opportunity of exploring their sexual identity. Jared's aunt, Catherine who adopted him after his parents were killed, encourages him to explore in life. Malcolm's mother adamantly expresses her unwillingness to accept to her son; due to fact that she thought he was gay. Malcolm lived in fear because of these circumstances.
Jared's personal development flourishes with the help of Bruce and Scott, his neighbors; helping him immerse into the gay lifestyle. Meanwhile, Malcolm still was struggling with his own identity especially after being take advantage of sexually, by Mr. Williams and his son Norman; the father and brother of his ex-girlfriend, Nora.
Going to parties, making new friends, having wild spontaneous sex, and going out to dance clubs help for both Jared and Malcolm to grow into the gay culture. All of these different things were entertaining and only lasted for short period of time.
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John Frazier
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By fate, Jared and Malcolm ended up meeting each other and becoming close friends. Their friendship would developed into a relationship that evolved around drama, which begin like a perfect dream. However, their relationship would ultimately end up crumbling because of lies, betrayal, and deceit.
Furthermore, the reality of the HIV/AIDS epidemic starts to settle within the minds of Jared and Malcolm, and many of the other characters within "It Seems to Hang On" slowing down and changing the pace of their lives. Yet some of the characters in this novella wanted to still hang on to the memories of the past spontaneous sex, love, friendships, and dance clubs.
This novella consists of how the HIV/AIDS epidemic changed life in society in the 1980's, and he does this by presenting what life was like in the 1970's disco days with Jared Walker and Malcolm Black. John Frazier gives readers the opportunity to take a path down "memory lane" of life before an epidemic that destroyed the lives of many people. There are a few constant themes embedded within "It Seems to Hang on" identity, commitment, acceptance, and love; the characters displays this through their actions.
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Thank you so much for a lovely, on point review. I'm totally grateful. Unconditional love, John
I read this book with an open mind. I enjoyed the intensity of the subject matter as well as Johnny's unique way of capturing the essence of an important and stunning era in american life. I have recommended this and his other books to all of my friends. I am not gay, but I can still relate to the book's characters, as I have friends who have experienced some of the harsh realities of the lifestyle. In addition to the fact that people from all walks of life can relate to the contents (especially the sex scenes), I was pleasantly surprised at how tastefully the details of the book were presented. Iam looking forward to Johnny's next book and hope it will be a full fledge novel that is widely read. This is an author who really has something to say.
Thanks, Greg Q