Often hilarious, sometimes touching, frequently madcap, and irresistibly charming, the stories in each chapter follow two San Francisco gay men from one adventure to the next. Told to you, the reader, as if were actually there, learn how they came out, had their first sexual experiences, got pierced and then tattooed, became drag queens, adopted a nearly full grown son, placed a personal ad, and grew up to become the best of friends. Along the way, find out how many people wanted Sparkle dead and discover how much fun the bars and back streets of San Francisco really are. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and, in the end, you may just learn a thing or two. Your mamma never told you that being queer could be this much fun.
Rob Rosen’s writing debut comes in the guise of ‘Sparkle’ and is, quite rightly, billed as the ‘queerest book you’ll ever love’.
‘Sparkle’ is a rip-roaring tale of two gay friends as they chase their way through life in San Francisco. It’s all here - from coming out, tattoos and personal ads, through to adopting children, drag queens and almost everything in between.
The charm of this glorious read rests in Rosen’s wit and sense of timing. The characters literally leap off the page, as the story effortlessly unfolds and blossoms before your eyes.
Sparkle has been shot and lies desperately ill in a coma. His bosom buddy, Secret, sits patiently by his bedside from where he tells the many tales of high adventure, hoping to uncover who shot Sparkle.
As the tale progresses, Rosen’s frequent asides to the reader succeed in adding a comic depth that cleverly draws you in, page by page.
“With a quick hug and air kiss for Kiki, we all switched places again and Sparkle and I were back in the spotlight. (Damn it, okay, I’ll say it…where we belonged)”
Rosen manages to skilfully weave a myriad of characters in and out of the frame with such ease that comparisons to fellow San Franciscan, Armisted Maupin, are more than justified.
Behind the lesbian lap dancers and pill popping antics is a sweet coming of age tale, that will surely strike a cord with many a queen out there. Love, sex, friendships and family, served up with a side order of intimate piercings and one-night stands.
With a naked self-analysis akin to ‘Sex And The City’, ‘Sparkle’ manages to showcase gay humour without ever resorting to mere slapstick.
If you’re looking for an uplifting gay romp of a read then look no further, as Sparkle is most definitely “the queerest book you’ll ever love”.
Sparkle really does shine!
