Read as part of the GB challenge and recommended to me by AshleyAlexis (thanks!) It was so refreshing to read about a gay couple who have grown old together but still have that spark that attracted them to each other in the first place. The love and affection between Henry and Jim just burns through the pages.This short story was totally bitter-sweet but lovely at the same time and made me feel all warm inside. awwwwwwww.5 stars :) This short story is not new but it’s worth re-reading or buying now if you’ve somehow missed it. The story is short (4,500 words) but it packs a huge punch. The sweet characters, deep emotion, and aura of resigned sadness make this one of the best short stories I’ve read. Without a hint of explicit sex, this story also is incredibly romantic and moving. At just a few dollars, this is a steal that you must must must read. The story is just a glimpse into a typical morning between lovers Henry and Jim. Together for over fifty years, Henry is taking care of Jim who is showing early and persistent signs of dementia. Jim’s forgetfulness affects their life together as the morning is shown through Henry’s first person point of view. He remembers highlights of their long life together – how they met, their first kiss, the hard times, and surprise delights. His determination to cling to Jim and remember their life is beautiful, poignant, and heart wrenching. The prose is sparse and clean without too much embellishment and lets the emotion and men shine through. The story is very likely to cause more than a few tears and the scene is somewhat idyllic but still haunting and intense. There are no last minute cures or passionate sex but instead there is deep emotion and a lifetime filled with love and happiness. Although the scene is bittersweet, this is still one of the most romantic stories I’ve read. Pick it up today.
What do You think about Henry And Jim (2009)?
This is my book so I'm not going to write a review.
—Joycecornelis
