Customer Reviews

Looker: A Novel

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Stanley Bennett Clay takes chances: he knows he takes them and unlike Captain Scott's diaries from 1912 as he lay dying in the Antarctic in which he admits the chances turned out against him, the chances Clay takes work very much in his favor. Now with this third novel Stanley Bennett Clay shows a maturity of style and focus without a loss of the chancy topics he embraces. LOOKER simply works!

Clay introduces a huge cast of characters so rapidly yet so well defined that for a few chapters the novel seems as though it will be a series of short stories; we meet Brando, an entertainment lawyer whose celibacy is linked to his past lost love Collier; Selma Fant, the alcoholic wife of a councilman whose only child Earl-Anthony responded to his misunderstood childhood by transforming into a popular transgender singer Miss Zara; successful writer Omar who despite his longing for a relationship with Brando after his leaving the demanding Shane is a lothario `chickenhawk' unable to forego his desires despite his nearing middle age; Jeanette Bell and her lesbian lover, highly successful novelist Clymenthia Teager; Vanessa Ellerbee and her downlow husband William who craves Brando; recently divorced Dee Dempsey whose bruised heart embraces those in need; Ramon Alexander and his abused wife Charlene; and Senior Father Lacey Cannon who holds court for all the pretty gay men in his community. And yes, there are more!

The story is too fine to condense in a review. Suffice it to say that Clay connects all the dots by a central story of a murder trial over a heinous event that occurred between Ramon and Jeanette, a climactic situation steered by Brando that alters the lives of each of the characters and brings about closure to the many open wounds and secrets and lusts and stories of each of the novel's cast.

Clay has the ability to write some of the most sensuous prose about lovemaking and just plain sex between men as anyone out there: his situations and recreations of scenes are erotic and electrically charged. At the same time he is able to enter the courtroom with some of the better banter between lawyers and some pungent political and social commentary that is eloquent and deeply moving. Clay again explores the `on the downlow' particles that pepper the wealthy black community of Los Angeles (his setting for his novel), but he also dips deeply into the crises of relationships in the 21st century - finding that the concept of monogamy still rings clearly and preferably, the goal of the struggling of wandering eyes of the lookers.

And so Stanley Bennett Clay's title LOOKER could mean `handsome looking men', `stunning women', voyeurs, or those searching for that nebulous lifelong love - it all depends on the part of this kaleidoscopic novel the reader wishes to emphasize. But in the end Clay once again proves that he is capable of spinning tales both bizarre and tender, and he succeeds in every direction. This is yet another tasty novel from a writer of distinction. Grady Harp, May 07

Brando Heywood has a comfortable, peaceful existence. As an entertainment attorney, he has a good job, nice home, and lives a celibate life. The only thing; he is not happy. Having broken up with his lover of ten years, he has decided to remain celibate until he finds the happiness he wants. The happiness that eludes him happened one day years ago, but he refuses to allow it into his subconscious because it shouldn't have happened. As a result he takes a more careful, balanced approach to life.

Omar Stevens, Brando's best friend, is the complete opposite. He lives his life everyday as if it may be his last. Often he carries on two to three relationships at a time; stringing along each partner. Although he is getting plenty of attention and loving, Omar is still unhappy. What he wants may cause him to lose a lot more. It appears he is always on the outside looking in and he is afraid to give voice to what would truly make him happy.

In LOOKER, Stanley Bennett Clay takes readers on an erotic, drama-filled journey in search of love. Along the way there is much self-recrimination and self-loathing that needs healing, as well as more careful reflections on the important things in life. The two main characters reach the conclusion many have and that is sometimes the search for love often needs to start right under our nose because it is a lot closer than we think. I applaud this author for an intense look into a world I would not otherwise think about. I think his writing style lends a unique flavor to the literary world.

Reviewed by Brenda Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

My love affair with Stanley Bennett Clay began with In Search of Pretty Young Black Men--his steamy tale of a beautiful hustler driving the residents of a wealthy black enclave to murderous distraction.

His latest novel, Looker, has all the raw eroticism of its predecessor, with even more heart.

Brandon Heywood and Omar Stevens were the best of friends since childhood. Brando is a handsome, popular, and successful entertainment lawyer; a man whose seemingly idyllic life lacks passion. Choosing to remain celibate for 2 years after the end of a long term relationship, he goes through life quietly on the sidelines. Omar, a showbiz writer and journalist thrashes through life and love, all the while hiding the romantic feelings he has for Brando that he has kept hidden since they were teenagers. Soon, murder allegations throw Brando and Omar up against some harsh realities which may make them see what's been there all along.

Stanley Bennett Clay once again proves to be a master, lyrical storyteller who other writers aspire to emulate. `Looker' deserves five and one half stars, but there is no category for that - which is appropriate, because Clay is in a class by himself. ~ Taylor Siluwé, author of Dancing With The Devil

Passion, loss and regrets, anguished lovers, the elusive significant other, redemption, this story on African American gay/lesbian relationships is one absorbing read. This really reads like an anthology of short stories as the dramas of the lives of the myriad characters enfold around Brando, a 40 year old gay man living an almost perfect life except he is alone. But the story flows so smoothly that you never notice it. The characters are interesting and well flushed out, the writer wrapping up each of his/her heart-felt story neatly. And Brando and "Miss Zara" finding love and release respectively certainly works for "sappy" me.

Stanley Bennett Clay is a masterful writer, but he's more than that. He is a wicked and compelling storyteller. With this his 3rd novel, SBC is at his best. The way that he so gingerly and brilliantly handles a myriad of characters--Omar, Brando, Shane, Dee, Mrs. Fant, Miss Zara, Eli, Vanessa and William and a few others AND their varied storylines--love unrequited, past pains and parental hurt, betrayal, bisexuality, without losing his stride OR his fire, is just commendable and makes for a wonderfully rich and page-turning read had me finishing off this morsel of a masterpiece in a matter of days! KUDOS AND ACCOLADES!!!

I must say, since receiving this book I have not put it down, I have enjoyed the plot line. i found it to be on the level somewhat of a E. Lyn Harris read, engaging and with heart.

CONGRATS to Stanley Bennett Clay on a GREAT BOOK.

Beautifully written, this is a book that should be read by all. The author tells a universal story--one of finding love and knowing it when you do. Along the way, we meet unforgettable characters who jump off the page. And many of the descriptions are lovely. My favorites are "To avoid the pain of love, he did not allow himself to love deeply enough for love to breathe, rise up, and take aim ever again..." and "Jazz poured through the grand portals like a gardenia-scented breeze, whispering tales on the sly." Beautiful prose and engaging characters--who could ask for more? Stanley Bennett Clay is an author who has great talent!

Just finished reading Looker, and what a treat. The last night I was so into it I went ahead and read the last 100 pages in one fail swoop. This is the closest I've felt to hearing E Lynn's Voice in novel form. Part of 3 of the book was a climax after you thought you already experienced the climax. There were many character to follow, but as you got to know everyone it was easy to keep them in line. This book should touch anyone who has ever had a best friend or close friend that you had special feelings for and never shared it. It also is very therapeutic for those who hold everything inside. Life is too short and tomorrow is not promised! Kudos Stanley Bennett Clay!!!

A wonderful read with unexpected twist and turns. Now that E. Lynn Harris has passed, Stanley Bennet Clay has proven to be a nice substitute, but also brilliant in his own right.

This is a wonderful story about old loves, lost loves and forgiveness. It is a great read from the beginning to the end. Stanley takes you in several different directions with the characters in this book and each has a interesting story to tell. I loved it from the beginning to the end. In the end true love conquered all! Great story Stanley!