Michael
Here Again Now is a novel about fathers and sons, about love, about how we wound each other, and about what it means to be a man.
Achike and Ekene are both Black, gay, and are childhood friends. Achike is an actor just on the cusp of being famous. Ekene teaches drama. They love each other, but something is holding them back so they can’t act on this love. It isn’t because they are denying being gay-they both have other relationships-but due to upbringing and expectations, they can’t bring themselves to act on this love. Chibuike is Achike’s father. He is an alcoholic and some of the most touching parts of the novel are his reflections on whether he was ever a good father, and his regret at not being there for Achike when he was needed.
It is clear that all three men have been failed by their upbringing, and this has left both scars and unhealed wounds.
The novel is written from the POV of the three men. There is a focus on the internal thoughts of the three men. It is very reflective and beautifully written. It is also very, very sad and full of wasted opportunities. But there is also just a hint of hope and healing at the end. It would have been unbearable for me if this had not been the case.
Here Again Now is a novel about fathers and sons, about love, about how we wound each other, and about what it means to be a man.
Achike and Ekene are both Black, gay, and are childhood friends. Achike is an actor just on the cusp of being famous. Ekene teaches drama. They love each other, but something is holding them back so they can’t act on this love. It isn’t because they are denying being gay-they both have other relationships-but due to upbringing and expectations, they can’t bring themselves to act on this love. Chibuike is Achike’s father. He is an alcoholic and some of the most touching parts of the novel are his reflections on whether he was ever a good father, and his regret at not being there for Achike when he was needed.
It is clear that all three men have been failed by their upbringing, and this has left both scars and unhealed wounds.
The novel is written from the POV of the three men. There is a focus on the internal thoughts of the three men. It is very reflective and beautifully written. It is also very, very sad and full of wasted opportunities. But there is also just a hint of hope and healing at the end. It would have been unbearable for me if this had not been the case.