Product Description

This is a new edition of this acclaimed novel. Meet Neil Byrne - try-scorer on the rugby field, prizewinning student, one of the in-crowd at the disco, regular guy, gay. Presenting one face to the world and burying his true feelings in fantasy, Neil manages to keep his secret. But when fantasy isn't enough and he becomes caught up in the bizarre subculture of Dublin's gay nightlife, the pretence must end. It is the time for truth. The consequences are both hilarious and painful. Told with honesty, humour and originality, "When Love Comes to Town" brings a new type of hero to modern Irish fiction.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #166230 in Books
• Published on: 1993-11-30
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

Review
'In many ways his work is superior to The Catcher in the Rye' -- The Irish Times The Irish Times

About the Author
Tom Lennon's fiction is noted for its understanding of gay politics in modern society and for the sympathetic and honest treatment of the characters it depicts.

Customer Reviews

readable, moving and entertaining
Ok, so this may not be a classic of literature! But this (somewhat short) coming out story set in the very catholic Ireland Republic (south Dublin) will keep those pages turning non-stop. In my opinion, the main downfall of this book are the very shallow and caricatural characters: the sugar daddy, the hunky boyfriend, the homophobic father, the fag hag, the disturbed best friend, the sympathetic sister, the loving but confused mother. They are there just to chorus effect and very seldom become real deep psychological characters. Fortunately, Neil, the main character, is very belivable, and his aches and doubts and funny remarks keep you involved and interested. The writing is swift, fast and light. The narrative really pushes forward, keeping everything at a very fast pace. And, even if this story has some moving tragic moments, most of the times the delicious irish humour is all there.

A Refreshingly Honest Story
There are many fictional coming-out tales to choose from, so why this read Lennons?

Firstly, there aren't that many set in contemporary Dublin. Secondly, there are not too many told with the humour and compassion of When Love Comes To Town. Finally, there are not that many that are such a good read.

Let me also be honest. There are few new takes on the coming-out dilemma, so don't expect total originality.

Neil Byrne is a top class student who has realised he isn't like all his coupled-up (straight) friends. The story takes us through Neil's tentative steps into Dublin's gay nightlife and his introduction to the characters of The Scene. Neil's first love and family's reaction are all covered and his confusion, pain, hopes & desires are well described.

The family's response is not a model reaction, so don't read this book if you are looking for a reassuring, positive take on the acceptance of loved ones to the news that one of their own is gay.

The book's climax is certainly one of the more surprising aspects of the tale. In a dark moment Neil realises what he needs to do to survive the next few years of his life in an intolerant community. This ending results in a fine piece of writing that conveys the emotion of the final scene remarkably well and, I suspect, brings a lump to the throat of many readers.

Given a less positive ending than many similar books, I found this to be a refreshingly honest story. It is certainly a welcome addition to the genre.

Excellent Reading
A short book, but takes you through all the emotions of growing up and being gay. Parts of it will enrage you, make you laugh, cry and empathise with the main characters of the story.

An excellent read for anyone.