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IN SEARCH OF PRETTY YOUNG BLACK MEN
by Stanley Bennett Clay
Atria Books, January 2005
176 pages
$15.95
ISBN: 0743497155


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

Welcome to Baldwin Hills, the enclave of the wealthy black elite in the elegant hilltop community of Southern California. In this captivating novel think black Beverley Hills, nouveau riche, sexuality and lies; tons of lies! The lies are the backbone of this torrid fascinating tale that brings about the semi-destruction of one of the richest black families, the Lester-Allegros.

There is Maggie Lester Allegro who marries into the distinguished Lester-Allegro family only to find herself trapped in a bittersweet detested marriage. At the beginning of her marriage and with her husband's complicity, she makes an important decision that she lives to regret.

She spends her free time drinking and playing cards with her small circle of female friends in the hope of easing her emotional pain. Her life is thrown into turmoil with disastrous results when she has a one-night stand with a hunk of a man whom she cannot forget and with whom she feels an exceptional closeness.

There is also Lamont Lester-Allegro, her husband He's bisexual and afraid to come out of the closet but this does not stop him seeking his sexual solace outside his picture-perfect marriage. Soon his life begins to unravel under the burden of secrets and lies that threaten to topple the defences of his carefully-shielded existence and reputation among the elite when he comes into contact with an enigmatic young male prostitute.

Thrown into the mix is Dorian Moore a gorgeous bisexual male who believes that his sole role in life is to satisfy the sexual needs of the rich blacks whether they are male or female. He comes into the lives of both Maggie and Lamont and the blessing and joy that he brings to both their lives turns out to be a fatal curse and has a devastating effect on both of them in different ways when the terrible truth about his relationship with them becomes known.

IN SEARCH OF PRETTY YOUNG BLACK MEN is an outstanding novel. This is not a novel about your perfect black, rich family. It is not a novel that can be tucked away after you have finished reading it. It is one of deep sexuality, sorrow and the resounding effects of a past misdemeanour and lie. Told in both first and third person, this is a well-written, moving tale that questions every perception of what we the reader believe equals achievement, status and most importantly love. The reality is harsh and unequivocal.

Achingly and provocatively narrated, IN SEARCH OF PRETTY YOUNG BLACK MEN is not only inspired and haunting but also skilfully written and a compelling social commentary on hidden black lives. It's a stunning ,enticing tale of sex, desire, and love. If you enjoy E Lynn Harris then you will certainly enjoy this book.

Reviewed by Ayo Onatade, January 2005

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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