A review by anusha_reads
Blackouts by Justin Torres

informative reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

BLACKOUTS, JUSTINE TORRES

Blackouts is a compelling work of gay fiction. It's a simple yet informative and multilayered read, primarily consisting of dialogues between two friends. The narrative delves into the destruction of queer literature and various related incidents.

Although the author states at the end that everything mentioned is fictional, except for the real people Jan Gay, Zhenya, and a few others, the narrative feels incredibly authentic. The entire book is inspired by the work of queer researcher Jan Gay.

The narrator, an unnamed character called Nene by his friend Juan, is broke and spends his last bit of money on bus fare to arrive at a foreboding place called the Palace to care for his terminally ill friend, Juan. Juan has dedicated his days to compiling information and research on various blackout pages, which are depicted as photos throughout the book. Years before, the two met at a place they were confined to because of their sexual orientation.

The book reads much like a well-researched account. It prompted me to look up numerous facts, poems, and quotes. I read about Jan Gay and Zhenya. Jan's perseverance in documenting her research despite numerous struggles, is really great. The author has resurrected extraordinary figures from the past, crafting a rich, informative, and brilliant narrative.

"I’D LOST PATIENCE FOR NOVELS. I DID NOT WANT TO DIE IN THE MIDDLE OF A NOVEL. I WANTED ONLY ENDINGS, LAST LINES, GOODBYES, AND REUNIONS. I WONDERED HOW MIGHT THINGS END FOR ME; HOW WOULD IT READ, THE FINAL SENTENCE OF MY LIFE? THE VERDICT?”

 

“AND THEN I FELT, OR SENSED, FROM THE PURPLE BLACK OF THE SOUNDLESS SKY, THAT WE WERE IN THE NETHERMOST OPPOSITION OF THE NIGHT WHEN IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE THE DAY WILL EVER BREAK.”