The Warners, a central Texas family, lived through a changing America from the 1960s to the 2000s. This saga follows the problems of the family trying to adapt. The main character is Justin. He discovered early that he was gay. His mother Lacy helped him adapt, and Julian went on the Harvard and to a relationship with Phillip.
Julian’s parents lived through the Vietnam War. They wrote to each other during the conflict and when his father arrived home, they married. The marriage wasn’t smooth. His father solved his emotional problems with a series of affairs while his mother directed her dreams of higher education into dealing with her son.
In addition to the struggles during the Vietnam War, there are the problems of Mexican immigrants, the changing political culture, and the rise of minorities. The Warners are typical Texans, but their views of the changes and their struggles reflect the lives of many Americans.
If you lived through this period, it brings back memories. If you’re interested in how your parents of grandparents lived, this is an interesting look back. This characters in the novel were well rounded and believable. The author had a good understanding of the period and managed bring a complex time to life.
I received this book from St. Martin’s Press for this review.
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