Winging It (90s) - Softcover

Bruised survivors of the Swinging Sixties emigrate to London and find solace with a joint-rolling, pot-smoking surrogate mother who's endured different times and tests. Enter the charming Englishman, a former expatriate in Los Angeles newly returned home: "Jeremy could not help being charming. It was a talent he'd stumbled upon early in his life and it got him out of all sorts of difficult situations." The couplings, recriminations, and recouplings that passively seductive Jeremy then sets in motion make up an engagingly told but rather slight novel about the bonds of loyalty and friendship. Coincidences overlap like the exotic floor coverings collected by one of the characters, and none of these sensitive lost souls seems troubled by the necessity to earn a living, yet there's some romantic charm to this midlife, gay-oriented, coming-of-age story. Even a poor stray kitty plays a pivotal role, and despite major pain, star-crossed lovers grow, learn, and reunite. Now, you saw all that on the movie of the week, didn't you? Only it was hetero, right? Whitney Scott

Three Americans living in London--Robert, Jesse, and Vera--form a relationship with the wise, witty, elderly Isabel. They eat, drink, smoke an occasional joint, and discuss life, philosophy, and one another's sexual experiences. They meet Jeremy, an Englishman who beds Vera and becomes attracted to Robert, who still loves Peter, who is living in France. If this sounds like a soap opera, that's because it is--complete with reunions, a trip to Paris, a hospital stay, etc. Some of this first novel has a certain charm, and the author knows how to set a scene. The ultimate result, however, is too precious.
- Robert H. Donahugh, formerly with Youngstown & Mahoning Cty. P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.