Customer Reviews

Once You Go Back: A Novel

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The reader is drawn into this book from the very first sentence and quickly becomes totally involved in this story of a boy growing up in a home where, amidst much confusion and insecurity, he never quite feels he belongs.

The book moves quickly from one episode to the next, in a series of stories, like a series of snapshots, with the absence of the boy's real father being a theme that runs through the book. The scenes are so beautifully and poetically written, and with so much feeling that it becomes a book that you simply won't be able to put down.

In this semi-autobiographical novel Douglas A Martin tells of his growing up in a dysfunctional family in America's South. His father has left, his mother eventually remarries, they struggle financially and relations are strained with his step-father. but Douglas loves his mother and is very close to his younger sister, and it is to the latter that the book is addressed - note: while written occasional in the second person the book is predominately written in the first person.

The account covers from as early as Douglas can remember to his graduating from high school, and reveals his closeness with his sister, his stepfather's disdain of his sissy ways, and his ups and downs through school and to his first boy friends.

But what is outstanding about his book is the writing, original, succinct, yet creating very much the aura of a confused young boy growing up in difficult circumstances. The sentences are often short, disjointed, but always evocative - sometimes I had to re-read to get the true sense of the meaning, although that was never a hardship for there is a beauty in the writing that rewards.

This is a touching and moving account conveyed in unique prose, and has prompted me immediately to order the author's first book, An Outline of My Lover, his fictionalised account of his relationship with the singer Michael Stipe.

This novel changed my life. I was at the lowest spot I'd been in for awhile, and everything was going to hell. From the first sentence, "Pretend you are my sister," I knew this was what would help me get through the day.

I think I read it straight through. I cried, I smiled, I felt safe. Enjoyed it so much that I bought several copies for family and friends for birthday and holiday presents.

I'm not sure what I can say about the text. Saying it's poetic takes away from Martin's mastery of words, and his ability to convey emotion. He's subtle, yet there's no mistake about every action that happens. The reader feels.

I think it's a must read for any aspiring writer, especially ones interested in writing about GLBTQ themes. Dancers should read this too...