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June, Pride Month, is a time to celebrate the LGBTQA+ community and its achievements. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges that the community has faced and continues to face. One way to learn more about the LGBTQA+ community is to read books by and about LGBTQA+ authors, here are some book recommendations.

Here is a great article on the history of LGBTQ+ literature at Penguin Books.

My Policeman by Bethan Roberts

Set in 1950s and modern day Brighton, My Policeman tells the story of married couple Marion and Tom, and the affair Tom has with their friend Patrick. The relationship is reported to the police and Tom has to leave the police force.  Patrick’s return after decades away forces them to face the choices they made and the pain they caused and experienced. The narrative is told by Marian and Patrick in a confessional style, looking back at their time with Tom. The novel is depicting the time when homosexuality was illegal and you can feel the tension and paranoia that gay people felt whilst having to conceal their sexuality, and the pain caused by the intolerance of others. The story explores the complex nature of love, the loss of love and a cruel time in recent history.

My Policeman is available at the library
More copies can be Reserve here
The ebook is available to read on Borrowbox – add it to your library (free)

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

The Song of Achilles is a retelling of the Iliad from the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles’ childhood friend and lover. Patroclus has to go to live with Achilles’ family during childhood. They grow close and Patroclus joins Achilies to train for the upcoming Trojan War. During the war he serves as a moral compass and closest confidant as well as openly being lovers. The novel is about the strength of friendship, family ties, fate and the loss of love.

The Song of Achilles is available at the library
More copies can be reserved here
The ebook can be reserved on Borrowbox – reserve it here (free)

Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin

Giovanni’s Room’s main character is David, an American who has moved to Paris in part because of his struggle with his sexual identity. He is an American living in Paris alone whilst his fiancé, Hella, is in Spain. He visits a gay bar where he meets Giovanni, they start a relationship and live together until Hella returns. David goes back to her and Giovanni falls apart leading to devastating consequences. The writing is wonderful and it is an emotional read. 

Giovanni’s Room
Reserve a copy (£1 fee applies)
Download eAudiobook

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Set in the American South in the early 20th century, The Color Purple is a novel which takes form in letters written by the main character, Celie. Cellie is abused by her father and later her husband, who she is forced to marry. She takes comfort in writing these letters, and the prospect of being reunited with her sister. A lightness comes into her life in the form of  singer, Shug Avery, they start a relationship which becomes a source of strength for both of them. The Color Purple is a challenging read, depicting the racism that African American women face and abusive relationships. However, it is a powerful novel and rewarding read. 

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize

The Color Purple is available at the library
More copies can be ordered here Reserve a copy

Autobiography Series by Paul O’Grady

We sadly lost Paul O’Grady this year, he will be remembered for his lively comedic wit, his drag act Lily Savage and his love of animals. He told the story of his life through four autobiographies. They are full of funny stories from throughout his life from his upbringing in Liverpool, to the drag scene in London and from his farm in Kent where he spent his tail end of his life.

1 – At My Mother’s Knee…And Other Low Joints: Tales from Paul’s mischievous young years –
Reserve a copy (£1 fee applies)

2 – The Devil Rides Out: Wickedly funny and painfully honest stories from Paul O’Grady – Reserve a copy (£1 fee applies)

3 – Still Standing: The Savage Years – Reserve a copy (£1 fee applies)

4 – Open the Cage, Murphy!: Hilarious tales of the rise of Lily Savage – available at the library