Claire loves to read!

Published by: Inkslingers Publishing (31st May 2013)

ISBN: 9780957640306

Source:  Author provided review copy

Rating: 4*

Synopsis:

Denial, Deceit, Discovery is the heart-rending story based on true events in the life of Jack Ellis; a young Catholic man deep in denial of his own homosexuality.  It tells the story of how his own denial and the denial of his loved ones forced him to conform to the straight world, resulting in his marriage to his high school sweetheart.  After years of cruising gay porn sites, chatting online with endless guys and intimate encounters with close friends, Jack was pulled into a life of deceit with a string of sexual partners.

The story explains the pain and suffering of those around him as his secrets unfold and honesty rises up. The torture endured as Jack struggles to piece together the complex story of his own sexuality is truly moving.  Escaping the shame, Jack flees to Bangkok with his gay lover where a much greater world of deceit and discovery awaits them both.

Review:

I really wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book, but I was really interested in discovering the author's story as some of my friends are gay and I thought perhaps reading Denial, Deceit, Discovery  might give me some insight about their own journeys. 

As I started reading, it became clear that the author was holding nothing back. It is a brutally honest account of the intense struggle with his thoughts, feelings, lifestyle and sexuality, and at times heartbreakingly sad. I struggled to stop reading and go to sleep, becoming completely absorbed in Jack's life.

There are some grammatical issues that give the book a rather unpolished feel, but this is my only criticism. The explicit scenes are well conveyed and surprisingly touching, and there are riches of humour to bring some light relief. This autobiographical account really opened my eyes and made me think. A fascinating read.

Thanks to the author for providing me with a digital copy in return for an honest review.