MICHAEL TOLLIVER LIVES: Armistead Maupin: HarperCollins 2007: Fiction: 277 pp.Maupin's seventh novel won't be for everyone. But if you enjoyed his series of novels, "Tales of the City," or watched the Peabody Award winning television miniseries first aired on PBS, you will enjoy catching up with some of the characters you grew to care about.
While the author claims this isn't a follow-up to the San Francisco-based series, the first-person tale explores the life of the now middle-aged Michael Tolliver. The book acquired its title because Michael contracted HIV in an earlier book, but unlike many of his friends, he hasn't succumbed to the disease.
This glimpse into his life, his biological and logical families' lives (those chosen, close members of his circle) is satisfying. It's delightful to see how gracefully Anna Madrigal has aged and to see that the good friends stayed connected throughout their lifetimes.
The miniseries is a favorite of mine, and I welcomed the chance to see some fictional friends mature. However, if you aren't interested in reading about an endearing May-December gay romance, this isn't the book for you.
DLD
1 comment:
So glad to see diversity hit Happy Valley! I appreciated the cautionary note at the end so those who wouldn't appreciate the content would not find themselves offended. Great review - I'm anxious to check it out!
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