Book Review: Invisible Life

E. Lynn Harris was an openly gay, African American author who died last year. While alive, he hit the New York Times Bestseller list 10 consecutive times! Most of novels illustrated the lives of Black men who were struggling with their sexuality, as I assume he was in his early life.

In my book group, we read Invisible Life, E. Lynn Harris’ first novel which he initially sold out of the trunk of his car before finding a publisher. The story surrounds law school student Raymond Tyler, who has a long term girlfriend yet finds himself suddenly aroused by fellow student, Kelvin. It seems like I’m giving too much of the story but the story is truly about Raymond’s struggle in allowing himself to accept his sexuality and cope with the judgment of his coworkers, community, and most importantly, family.

Reading this novel I often questioned whether or not society should put a definition to sexuality. The question of “Gay?” “Straight?” or “Bisexual?” usually haunts someone who simply enjoys the pleasure of anything other than society’s classification of “normal.” I became more understanding of this after hearing Raymond’s account.

On the other hand, I did not enjoy how the story was told. The story was told the way a person in this situation would feel under pressure but they also wanted a happily ever after ending. The setting of this account was in New York City during the 1990s. Where was the derogatory slurs and violence that was directed towards homosexuals during this time? We all know it existed and this tale did not include any of it which made this book very whimsical in comparison to the situation, time, and place.

Eventually, I plan to read all thirteen of Harris’ novels. I have actually already read Just As I Am and Any Way The Wind Blows but was recently advised that it’s best to read his books in order.

Happy Reading!