The Lost Language of Cranes: A Novel (Paperback)

by David Leavitt (Author) "EARLY ON A rainy Sunday afternoon in November a man was hurrying down Third Avenue, past closed and barred florist shops and newsstands, his hands..." (more)
Key Phrases: Derek Moulthorp, Alex Melchor, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
This first novel by the author of Family Dancing, a well-received collection of short stories ( LJ 8/84), reflects both the author's youth and his promise. The story focuses on Philip Benjamin, a 25-year-old New Yorker, somewhat naive but definitely gay, who is involved in his first "serious" romance. This situation is complicated by the struggle of Philip's father to deal more openly with his own longstanding, but thus far closeted, homosexual inclinations. With Philip's coming out, father is thrown into even greater turmoil, mother begins to realize the complete truth, and all are forced to reexamine the ties that bind them. Leavitt again proves adept at looking into the complexities of familial relationships and generational differences. At times the work seems self-indulgent and just a bit trite but is nonetheless recommended. David W. Henderson, Eckerd Coll. Lib., St. Petersburg, Fla.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
"Fascinating ... lingers in the mind." -- Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA (April 14, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582345732
• ISBN-13: 978-1582345734
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #497,188 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #4 in	Books > Literature & Fiction > Authors, A-Z > ( L ) > Leavitt, David
  #65 in	Books > Gay & Lesbian > Parenting & Families

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SUPERB, May 9, 2000

By	R. Penola (NYC, NY United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Lost Language of Cranes (Paperback)

A wonderful, literary, entertaining and realistic book about the deceptions, heartaches, joys and secrets engendered in a family where homosexuality exists. Though this book is already nearly 10 years old (or older?) it still feels contemporary, and I think that is because the relationships smack of the truth. I simply love the novel's poetic metaphor, that of the lost language of the cranes. For that reason alone it is worth taking the emotional journey of reading Leavitt's first, and I think best, novel.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent gay literature speaking in a distinct voice, August 20, 2001

By	J. A Magill (Sacramento, CA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Lost Language of Cranes (Paperback)

The Lost Language of Cranes is the only book I have ever read by this author. Still, its evocative style and powerful prose made a lasting impression. The author tells a story of two generations of gay men, a father and son in the same family, both in their own particular closets. The pain these characters suffer is both palpable and moving.

Most beautiful is the author's use of the allegory of linguistics and feral children, in particular people struggling to develop a language in which they can communicate. The image is poignant and made more powerful with repetition. Each example given is subtly different, yet telling about the life of gay men and lesbian struggling to find a language that they can call their own.

A wonderful read for any one, gay, straight or otherwise.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leaves a lasting impression, June 12, 2001

By	"occido" (Newington, CT United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Lost Language of Cranes (Paperback)

It is so rare for me to read a book that leaves such a resounding vibration in my mind. I read this book when I turned 16, it is a year later now, and as I reread the book it holds as true now as it did then. It is both sad and terrifying when you can so closely identify with a character going through a difficult time. At the time that I read the book I was getting over a relationship that should have never existed. The way that I interacted with my ex was the same way that Phillip and Eliot acted toward one another. It not only opened my eyes to the fact that I shouldn't have been in this situation due to the fact that it was unhealthy, but that I could change; there was hope for me yet. I would tell anyone that is feeling sorry for themselves over the fact that their first love, or anyone for that matter, has left them to pick up this book and read it. It will help. Sometimes, what you need is right there in front of you, you just don't see it.