Sucking Sherbet Lemons

Interesting look at a young (13) mans coming to terms with his homosexuality. The story portrays five years in his life from elementary school and early 'explorations' with friends, through his 'vocation to God' and subsequent move to a pre-seminary and trying to deal with this temptation from the Devil, to back home and his introduction to sex and gay friendships.

Martin Benson is a gay British teenager seeking some reason for his desires. He only sees these desires in stark contrast to his strict Catholicism and seeks to 'root out the evil' through prayer and cloistering in a pre-seminary with other young men. Instead he finds the same temptations there as well and ultimately leaves there for the relative comforts of home. After an show more initial adjustment period 'where everyone knows' and what a 'failure he is', he meets Andy, a gay man that introduces him to gay sex with exciting results. Then he meets Clitherow, a smart but aloof schoolmate. They form a bond of friendship and later more. Through it all Benson grows less sure of God's hand and more sure of his own sexuality.

The book is a bit tough to get through due to the over religious nature of the main character and how he filters everything through these beliefs. Not to say it was unrealistic. In fact it seemed to even be a bit autobiographical. But I kept waiting for Benson to grow in self awareness and finally throw of the opressive yoke and embrace life.

All in all, a good first effort. I am looking forward to the next installment in the story! show less