Book set in Auckland, New Zealand. Reviewed on 2019/03: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu37g8znUTi/
I think I have mixed feelings about this book because #davidmunro is ultimately such a normal character both within himself and in the eyes of the groups he belongs to. Yes, there are some instances of #soulsearchingthat he endures and some drama with his family and work colleagues to accept his #homosexuality . But ultimately the denouements in the story seem to come easy and we as well as #munro take it all for granted one page after another. Even when the hint of something unexpected comes out: family #banishment , #bisexuality or #gaymaori characters, #ihimaera does not allow it to flourish and perhaps bring some vitality to the story. I believe at the end #witiihimaera was solely trying to portray a man from a privileged and well-established background which finds on himself one single thorn in his perfect life and how it all unravels because of it. The problem is that nothing seems to unravel at all in the #nightsinthegardensofspain or nothing seems to transcend the social classes depicted in the book. I definitely do not want to belittle anyone’s #comingout or the fact that perhaps people can see themselves in this story and deal with very personal issues in their lives. Coming-out is such a personal and never-ending experience and we can all benefit from telling our stories regardless. At the end, it was a good read and I have heard great things about this author which I want to read more about. However I was left thirsty for something more engaging and captivating. #auckland #gaysauna#gayliterature #newzealandliterature#kiwiliterature #gaypacificislander#readoceania #failedmarriage#againstallodds
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