Debut: Chicago, 1952

Against a background of illegal gay bars and varied people who patronized them, we see the double life gays led during the closeted 1950s. Louie, after his first sexual experience, moves to Chicago to be with Joey, the factory worker who brought him out. Joey, reluctant to be involved, encourages Louie to restrict gay life to nighttime and weekends while appearing straight at work or with ones family and straight friends. Later their pretended buddy-buddy friendship is further complicated when the two jointly undertake the care of Joeys mother, who is dying of cancer. Chicago, during the closeted 1950s, when even the meaning of the word GAY took a divergent path. Book Reviews &quote;Beautifully rendered semi-autobiographical fiction that sheds light on a little-studied era in American cultural history, and a very plausible picture of pre-gay rights America during the age of Eisenhower. DEBUT is not only the story of a life, but a valuable cross-section of gay culture in pre-Stonewall Chicago. Holland's prose is admirably unpretentious, and he has a journalist's eye for detail. He keeps a respectful distance from his characters and tells their stories -- and his, for that matter -- with objectivity and grace. This perfect balance allows him to avoid coming off as either hyper clinical or melodramatic. While the literary landscape of the book is home to more than a few eccentric figures, the author's tack keeps them from ever turning into camp stereotypes.A gorgeous near-memoir.&quote; --Kirkus Discoveries