At Certain Points We Touch – Lauren John Joseph

READ FOR BOOCKLUB
Chosen by Jodie

JJ, a representation of the author, writes an ode to her past lover Thomas John who has tragically passed away. Meandering through the New York, San Francisco and London gay scenes, JJ pursues sex and artistic freedom as she examines her loss. Queer fiction where characters do not have to justify their identities like so many queer characters of the past.

It is now ten years since we met, six years since we last spoke, four years since your death and I’m writing you this from Mexico City, under grave obligation. It is not a letter, since I know you cannot reply; maybe it’s another monologue, certainly it does not require a second voice; let’s call it plainsong then. This is the chant recalling your life, it is fiction, it is biography, it is a transfiguration.

● If you want to get out of the bubble you live in for a moment, this could be your next read. Be prepared to be thrown into a world of trans femininity, toxic relationships, graphic sex scenes, night life, grief, betrayal, poverty oh and did I mention sex scenes? This cleverly crafted novel was a great insight to what Millennial queer life is like. The author draws on personal experiences to shape the novel and as a result they have changed the face of traditional queer fiction. This novel may not be for everyone but I feel it’s worth breaking out and trying something fresh and new. – Jodie

● This book was an eye opener, for sure. The graphic sex scenes and debaucherous lifestyle of the characters made me feel like a prudish old lady! It was refreshingly devoid of gender explanations, but the homophobia peppered throughout was pretty heartbreaking. It was hard to know exactly why our protagonist loved Thomas James so much as often their relationship was not nice. But he did accept her for who she was, and had a strong desire for her. I can’t imagine recommending this book to anyone but I have to say I enjoyed reading something new to me and somewhat challenging. It made me think, and I always appreciate thought-provoking reads. – Jo

● Jodie read us this reviewer’s quote which she had found online. “A debut that lies in the gutter while looking up at the stars, with moving, if sometimes overindulgent, results.” This is an apt observation. Yes the narrative and characterisation is sometimes poignant but also sometimes overwritten. And while it does have some unpleasant, real life content, it creates a standard for queer characters and diverse identities in fiction. I think we will look back in years to come and see it has been influential. – Rachel

● This story about the loss of a lover and the looking back on encounters and conversations leading up to that death held a lot of promise. While the writing was poignant and at times moving I found the narrator’s stagnation and pontification at times hard to get through. I felt like I was watching the characters live their lives from a distance, whereas other novels seem to somehow place the reader right amongst the action. –Suzy

Published 2022
Bloomsbury
384 pages