Whistling in the Dark

Whistling in the Dark is not a fantasy, but it is an adventure of sorts… the adventure of life in a different time. This book is a riveting look back at what it was like to be a gay man at the turn of the 20th century. It is really good. It is only available as used paperback at this point… But hopefully it will return to Kindle, which is how I read it. If you like history and gay romance, this is well worth your time. I’d also recommend Invitation to the Dance – also by Tamara Allen – also a gay romance set in early NYC  but it seems to be unavailable now. Both of these books are excellent.

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New York, 1919. His career as a concert pianist ended by a war injury, Sutton Albright returns to college, only to be expelled after an affair with a teacher. Unable to face his family, he heads to New York with no plans and little money—only a desire to call his life his own.

Jack Bailey’s life has changed as well. After losing his parents in the influenza epidemic, he hopes to save their beloved novelty shop—now his—by advertising on the radio, barely more than a novelty, itself. Sutton lands work in Jack’s corner of the city and the two conclude they couldn’t be less suited for friendship. But when Sutton loses his job, Jack gives him a place to stay. Sutton returns to the piano to play for Jack and finds the intervening months have healed him. The program promises to rescue Jack’s business and Sutton’s career…but success brings its own risks for two men falling in love.

The Purple Fantastic Steam meter gives this a 2.5/3