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A compelling story of teenage development into manhood - insprational Nov 09, 2008
"The Early Journals of Will Barnett" is the second of nine novels I have read from the prolific pen of Ronald L. Donaghe (the first being "Common Son") and it is truly interesting to compare the two.
There are a number of years separating these two works, and it shows in the way that the author has developed both the story and characters with even more intensity and credibility. The later work is also a more complex story with plot twists that are more in-depth and sophisticated.
"The Early Journals of Will Barnett" is a three-novel series under one cover, so I will review each one in the order that they are presented. However, over all, it is a compelling story about a naïve teenager growing up in a remote part of New Mexico, and the sometimes painful evolution he undergoes from the time he first discovers his burgeoning physical attraction to his "pretty" Uncle Sean, until his eventual maturity--both sexually and as a man.
Therefore, the reader is drawn into the story at a very early stage--appropriately told in Will's `transcribed' words, and is then swept along as Will moves from one stage of his development to another.
These developments the author unfolds with insight and understanding, as well as some unexpected twists along the way.
"Uncle Sean"
This is the first of Will Barnett's journals, and the author has cleverly opened it with a credible (...or perhaps true) account of how he found these `scribblings' in a derelict barn. Donaghe then takes on the voice of a unsophisticated, fourteen-year-old farm boy, to relate his awe and wonderment regarding his somewhat older uncle, Sean--recently returned from active duty in Vietnam.
Thereafter, Will's fascination deepens as he tries to fathom this exceptionally handsome, but otherwise complex and troubled man, and his confused feelings toward him. In this regard, the author has awakened within all of us that wonderment over an older boy next door, or down the street, or perhaps a relative when we were Will's age--I know it resonated with me.
"Lance" (The second in the series)
At the opening of this particular novel, the author conjures up a meeting with the real(?) Will Barnett--now in his early forties. This meeting auspiciously provides the material for this and the concluding novel as well.
Now, somewhat aware of his sexuality, Will encounters a boy his own age with a deeply troubled background. Lance is an abused youth with an abusive stepfather and condescending mother. Therefore, Will and Lance form a bond against the abuses of the world, and this bond gradually deepens into an abiding love
This is a recurring theme in the four Ronald L. Donaghe novels I have read to date, and I commend him for that. An author's job is not just to tell a story. It sometimes involves holding up a mirror to society with a carefully crafted message attached. In this regard Ronald L. Donaghe has done both. He has not only vividly described the shortcomings readily apparent in our society, i.e., bigotry, intolerance, religious fundamentalism, bullying, child abuse, etc., but he has also dramatized the harm these intolerances cause to innocent youths already struggling to understand their own complex sexuality.
"All over him"
At the opening of this novel, Will and Lance have temporarily separated in order to attend different universities--Lance in San Francisco, and Will in Austin, Texas, to live with his Uncle Sean as well. It is a poignant separation, but they both vow to remain faithful for the two years that it will take Lance to graduate. Of course, the question is: Will they be able to honour their vows in spite of overwhelming temptation?
For obvious reasons I'm not going to answer that question, except to say that this is the final stage in Will's evolution from boy to man.
Once again the author has captured the experience of every farm boy who migrates from farm to city, and the cultural shock that sometimes accompanies such a move. He certain captured it for me--Review by Gerry Burnie, author of Two Irish Lads.
We want more Will! Mar 17, 2008
A very touching book with positive characters that make this a beautiful read.I didnt want the story to end and hope Mr. Donaghe continues the story of Will and Lance.This my first book of this author and will definitely be reading more from him.
Another worthwhile read from Donaghe! Oct 14, 2007
I have only come across Ron Donaghe's work after reading those of Mark Roeder and Mark Kendrick, and having read his name mentioned by those authors in their acknowledgments.
Although having read the works of those other authors first, and loving the stories they tell, I must say that Ron Donaghe is the father of all gay storytellers, and he is the master of his craft!
The Will Barnett series was something I picked up after having read Donaghe's Common Threads in the Life Series and thoroughly enjoying them all. I enjoyed the characters in the Will Barnett stories just as much if not more than the Reece clan in Donaghe's other series. Just as in his Threads series, Donaghe takes the reader right into the heart of New Mexico and the American Southwest and, from there, right into the hearts and lives of the characters he creates. The people and places on those pages magically come to life as Donaghe masterfully weaves his tales.
The Early Journals of Will Barnett is a must-read for anyone who is looking to get lost in a good story!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
The Early Journals of Will Barnett: Uncle Sean, Lance, and All Over Him Mar 12, 2007
I really enjoyed this book because its a 3 in one. All of the stories fallow Will in his own writing about growing up and falling in love. Great books I would recomend to any one who is interested in this style of book.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
A Sweet Treasure! Nov 27, 2006
I'm not sure what to say, this book more than deserves a five star rating. Will, Lance and Uncle Sean will captivate you. This book became my obsession; I could not put it down. It is a great, happy story with tender,loving, and hot sex.
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