Last Language of Cranes, The (original 1986; edition 1986)

I’ve heard about this book for years & finally got around to reading it. It’s strongly felt and strongly written, one of the earliest and most honest books about being a gay man in 20th century America. It details with the issues of two men, one an older married man who gradually faces his desires, and the other a younger man who accepts himself but does not accept the possibility of being loved. The wife/mother is finely drawn too. ( )

A well-written novel. Not quite a coming-of-age novel, but rather a coming-to-terms novel detailing the main character's sexual maturation, his decision to reveal his homosexuality to his parents, and the ramifications of the announcement. Although the story line may now seem dated or mundane, the very ordinariness lends a certain sweetness to the story. Especially since it is intertwined with the background of the quickly gentrifying NYC of the 1980s and the effect of change on longtime habits & modes of being of the characters. ( )

I enjoyed reading "The Lost Language of Cranes," which surprised me because I didn't find David Leavitt's writing style particularly engaging. However, the story itself, a quintessential coming out tale, was put together well. Leavitt has interesting ideas that (especially the story that relates to the title) that elevates the book above the run-of-the-mill.

The novel tells the story of Owen, Rose and Philip, their gay son who falls in love for the first time and struggles with the idea of coming out to his parents. Owen and Rose are in the process of losing their home -- not just the physical house -- but everything that makes them the family they've been. The book is all about the way people communicate -- or avoid doing so -- and the way those languages filled with secrets and routines hold people together.

Really interesting concepts packed into a average story. I thought the book was worth reading, but it didn't inspire me to pick up more of Leavitt's works. ( )

That is a novel and quite original story line, but the narration, style and language are unfortunately a bit boring, tiring, easy to guess. So, the best thing about this book an what made me buy it), is its title. But dont expect too much of it... ( )

Compelling study of a family living in early 80's Manhattan. The characters are largely sympathetic, the writing draws one right in, and Leavitt has an enviable way of marking details so that they are both fascinating and telling. There was, however, a strong sense that these characters live lives in which most actions are continuous and repeated and important thoughts and emotions occur often but at no particular, specific time. It is as if they live constantly in the past imperfective, and while I'm sure that was intentional and pointed, it did became tiresome by the end of the book. ( )