Flashpoint - Hardcover

Two-time Lambda Literary Award winner Forrest ( Curious Wine ) takes seven incisively drawn characters from the early stages of the gay-rights movement to 1991, when a crucial California bill prohibiting job discrimination against gays is awaiting the governor's signature. Lesbians Pat, Averill and Angela, along with Brad and his lover, Warren, are waiting in Pat's cabin in the San Bernardino Mountains for Donnelly, the dedicated and self-assured lesbian activist who has touched their lives, and for Donnelly's lover, Querida. The group is rife with tension. Brad, once married to Donnelly, and Pat, once Donnelly's lover, dislike each other. Averill, a renowned pro golfer, feels that the others don't understand her need for keeping her sexual orientation secret, while Warren is jealous of Brad's past with the fabled Donnelly. After Donnelly and Querida arrive, they all reminisce about their childhoods, families, lovers and various acts of "coming out." When the bill is vetoed, Donnelly makes a request of each of the others. By the novel's satisfying end, some at the cabin have changed, a love affair has begun and, on an upbeat note, Bill Clinton has been elected President. Though heavy with politically correct proselytizing, this is a clear and strong picture of a gay community. Author tour.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This novel unfolds against the backdrop of California governor Pete Wilson's threatened veto of the gay civil rights bill. A charismatic woman named Donnelly sends out a clarion call to a small circle of friends and ex-lovers, who gather together in Pat's remote mountain cabin. Aside from the collective indignation over the veto, the reasons for this gathering are much more personal than political. In fact, it becomes a neat literary device whereby these friends can bring into the open their past fears, doubts, and jealousies to heal old wounds. Bradley slowly comes to terms with the breakup of his early marriage to Donnelly, while Pat mulls over her loss of Donnelly to flashy golf pro Averill. Forrest (Curious Wine, Naiad Pr., 1993. reprint) skillfully uses flashbacks to lay bare the innermost feelings of her characters-who, for the most part, are imperfect and believable. Since Flashpoint tethers itself to certain political events, it will become dated over time-but solely on this basis. On many other levels, this is a satisfying and thought-provoking book that will enhance Forrest's reputation. For public libraries.
Lisa Nussbaum, Euclid P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.