E. Lynn Harris is a new writer for me though he has been writing for some time. The write-up on the back of the audio looked promising. Zola Denise Norwood, it tells us, is a hot new editor of a New York magazine called “Bling Bling.” She’s also disenchanted with love and prefers to tackle the problem of romance with the “power of three.” Three men can fulfill all her needs. The three men are a) Hayden (shopping buff/show buff/ fun companion guy who is also gay) b) Davis – rich, full of presents and career opportunities and c) Jabar. Jabar is an incredibly sexy trainer from the gym Zola frequents.The opening of the novel is read by Tamara Tunie, who does a great Zola: She’s flamboyant, honest, sexy, direct, likeable and fun. In fact, she’s a great character. She describes in luscious detail just how sexy Jabar is and details exactly what kinds of fancy lingerie Davis gives her. After opening the novel for us with this first person voice, we are then introduced to Raymond’s first person narrative, read by the author. Raymond is kind, compassionate, reflective, and at times, I thought, cowardly. Raymond tells us about his break-up with his former boyfriend, Trent, and about his new life in New York. The novel progresses with this neat alteration in first person voices, both read extremely well. I honestly think that listening to this book made it more real to me than if I had read it. The readers give a lot of flavour to the book.The plot is human and emotional, all about deception, betrayal, vanity and greed. I liked the progression of Raymond’s character, and I enjoyed the changes that occur to Zola’s outlook. Ultimately we find out why Zola chooses three men instead of one, and why she spends so little time with her sister. A number of minor characters also play important roles, particularly Justine, who “finds religion.” Harris’ treatment of this born again experience is at once satirical and sympathetic. Justine seems to imply that religious experience needs to be kept in balance with the rest of the born-again’s life.I’d rate this novel highly for its entertainment value and its fascinating view of gay and African American New York culture. Harris’ world is a fun place to be in and his novel has a fair amount of depth and character development.“A Love of My Life,” I’ve discovered, since listening to it, is the third in a series:t1) Invisible Lifet2) Just as I amt3) A love of my life.If I can’t find these one audio, I’ll hunt around for the books. I’d like to more about the Raymond in the previous two novels.
This wasn't one of my favorite E. Lynn Harris books but it was enjoyable. There were a few holes that annoyed me (did I "miss it" or was it out of the recording??). For example did they ever connect the woman that called Raymond to warn her about Basil, the one that came up to him at the party and the one that "outed" Basil to Rosa (?) to Ava? (And if it was Ava why didn't Raymond recognize her at the deposition before he was shot? There were also plot lines that seemed rushed or forced (ex: Seb
What do You think about A Love Of My Own (2003)?
I liked how it would take turns telling Zola's and Raymond's story, but then again I'd get confused when I'd pick up where I left off and forget who's story I was reading since towards the middle, they knew most of the same people. Also, I don't like how the story ended with Davis -- it was a weak finale for the antagonist. This is about a story of two co-workers trying to find love in NYC while dealing with family, friends, work, racism, and prejudice. It's intertwined with real life events of 2001 like the death of Aaliyah and the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
—Alexis
