The Lost Language of Cranes: Amazon.ca: David Leavitt: Books

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Product Description

From Library Journal

This first novel by the author of Family Dancing, a well-received collection of short stories ( LJ 8/84), reflects both the author's youth and his promise. The story focuses on Philip Benjamin, a 25-year-old New Yorker, somewhat naive but definitely gay, who is involved in his first "serious" romance. This situation is complicated by the struggle of Philip's father to deal more openly with his own longstanding, but thus far closeted, homosexual inclinations. With Philip's coming out, father is thrown into even greater turmoil, mother begins to realize the complete truth, and all are forced to reexamine the ties that bind them. Leavitt again proves adept at looking into the complexities of familial relationships and generational differences. At times the work seems self-indulgent and just a bit trite but is nonetheless recommended. David W. Henderson, Eckerd Coll. Lib., St. Petersburg, Fla.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

New York Times

"One of his generation's most gifted writers." --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Customer Reviews

16 Reviews

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
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Average Customer Review

4.9 out of 5 stars (16 customer reviews)

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4.0 out of 5 stars Good first novel, Jun 3 2002

By	Curtis Lane (Orlando, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Lost Language of Cranes (Paperback)

While not as good as his short stories, and awkward and somewhat amateurish in a few places, this is a good, strong first novel. Ideally I would give this one a 3.5, but since that's not an option, I'll err on the side of generosity. This novel explores coming out, family dynamics, and the selfish yuppie attitudes of the 80s.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully well written characters and story......., April 25 2002

By	David (Davis, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Lost Language of Cranes (Paperback)

This book was given to me by a co-worker who believed the subject matter and story would interest me. She was right. There are so many different issues dealt with in this book ranging from the struggle for sexual identity to the struggle of sharing it with you family.....to the ups and downs of living a life that is full of oppression and worry. There are many characters here with many different backgrounds. There is Phillip, the young gay man struggling to win acceptance from his mother. Elliott who fears commitment and leaves Phillip. Owen, Phillip's father who has to come to terms with his own sexual identity after years of marriage and living his life without being true to himself. Then there is Jerene who is basically disowned because of her homosexuality which is so common in this day and age and extremely sad. NO parent should ever do this to their child!!!!! UNCONDITIONAL LOVE is key! Jerene's new girlfriend Laura.....it is just a well written story on all levels.......my only complaint was the ending. There was no real closure. Other than that, I loved it!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent gay literature speaking in a distinct voice, Aug 21 2001

By	J. A Magill (Sacramento, CA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Lost Language of Cranes (Paperback)

The Lost Language of Cranes is the only book I have ever read by this author. Still, its evocative style and powerful prose made a lasting impression. The author tells a story of two generations of gay men, a father and son in the same family, both in their own particular closets. The pain these characters suffer is both palpable and moving.

Most beautiful is the author's use of the allegory of linguistics and feral children, in particular people struggling to develop a language in which they can communicate. The image is poignant and made more powerful with repetition. Each example given is subtly different, yet telling about the life of gay men and lesbian struggling to find a language that they can call their own.

A wonderful read for any one, gay, straight or otherwise.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Leaves a lasting impression
It is so rare for me to read a book that leaves such a resounding vibration in my mind. I read this book when I turned 16, it is a year later now, and as I reread the book it... Read more

Published on Jun 12 2001 by occido

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful. Timeless. A gay classic to be reckoned with.
When I am given the task of writing a review such a wonderful book, I have to wonder where to start. Read more

Published on Aug 8 2000 by Curtis Lane

5.0 out of 5 stars SUPERB
A wonderful, literary, entertaining and realistic book about the deceptions, heartaches, joys and secrets engendered in a family where homosexuality exists. Read more

Published on May 9 2000 by R. Penola

5.0 out of 5 stars Characters I could relate to
I first read this novel as I was getting over a crush, and about to enter what turned out to be a short but suffocating relationship with some bimbo Adonis. Read more