Jack Parlett

3.75

Despite its title, this book is less a history of Fire Island, although it is that to a degree, and more a series of mini-biographies of the love lives of both well- and lesser-known literary and artistic figures as they happened wholly or partially on Fire Island. There is interesting material about the development of Cherry Grove and the Pines as separate and distinct from other Fire Island communities, and how they fit into the larger development of the modern queer community, but those show more parts seem minimal in comparison to the many paragraphs of who was living with whom, and who came to visit, etc.

Unfortunately, the author although chooses to intersperse his material on Fire Island with his own musings on this troubled relationships with his own sexuality, body image, and alcohol, sometimes managing to link his own life back to the history of Fire Island or someone who was there, but often not, making these parts an uncomfortable break in the narrative.

If you think of this book as telling a part of LGBTQ+ history, then it's a treasure trove. If you're looking for a full history of Fire Island, you'll find much less to appreciate, as there is more to Fire Island than Cherry Grove and the Pines. A more specific title would go a long way to manage expectations.

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for this review. show less

I didn’t enjoy this, sorry! I think I’ve had my fill for now of “cultural history of a particular moment which is also a personal evocation of the author’s feelings during a rough patch in their life”.

Which isn’t to denigrate Jack or his experience, but I do find that white gay men are suspiciously prone to bouts of self-pity given that we very rarely suffer anything in the way of real hardship, relatively speaking.

Anyway, this book does succeed as a history of Fire Island, and show more the various cultural and literary figures which inhabited it through the decades.

And what a cover indeed! show less

A history of Fire Island. The writing is a little dry, but the content is really interesting. I didn’t know much about the topic, to be honest, and I had no idea how many writers and artists found refuge there in their time and it was fascinating to learn the cultural background of the place along with the class and race issues throughout the years as well. Recommended if you’re interested.