Duplechan, Larry. Captain Swing. Alyson Pubns. Oct.
1993. c.184p. permanent paper. ISBN 1-55583-234-2. $15.95
[FICTION]
Duplechan (Tangled Up in Blue, LJ 2/15/87) pens a
touching, warm-hearted story of a man returning home to his
father's deathbed. Hoping for a reconciliation, "Cap"
Rousseau is not surprised when he is again rebuked by his father.
Gay, talented, black, and trying to adjust to life after his
lover was tragically killed in a car accident, Cap attempts to
readjust to the humidity of Louisiana and the eccentricities of
his extended family when a totally unexpected event happens.
While trying to sort out his feelings for a new love, Cap tries
to understand his father's sorrow over the death of Cap's younger
brother--the only son he truly loved--and his father's steadfast
refusal to accept him, his gay son. Duplechan's novel is
marvelous, sentimental but not sappy, pensive but upbeat, and
told with a slow, sassy wit that will keep readers hooked.
Essential for African American and gay/lesbian fiction
collections and highly recommended for others.
Kevin M. Roddy, University of Hawai'i at Hilo