Mars-Jones, Adam.The Waters of Thirst. Knopf. 1994.
c.192p. ISBN 0-679-41941-1. $20
[FICTION]
Mars-Jones is a gifted writer whose storytelling ability
shines in this tale of the relationship between William and
Terry, two gay gentlemen living together in a small flat in
England. Though it deals with one man's ill health, what is most
refreshing is that the author has decided to embark upon another
avenue of disease other than AIDS--in this case, kidney disease.
William requires dialysis frequently and longs for a normal life
where he can shove down salt-and-vinegar crisps and bacon
sandwiches. Poignant yet hilarious aspects include William's
increasing obsession with and lust for motorcycle riders,
primarily because of their healthy kidneys (the majority of kidney
donors in Britain are former motorcyclists): "I found my
eyes were drawn to the rear contour of bikers' leather jackets.
. . it was for kidney protection. My immediate reaction was, oh
yes, protect those kidneys. We don't want anything to happen to them."
One of the most quirky--and enjoyable--novels this reviewer has
read in quite a while; recommended for gay and lesbian fiction
collections.
Kevin M. Roddy, University of Hawai'i at Hilo