Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian
What is it about?
Set in New York in the late 1980s, “Like a Love Story” is told from the perspective of three teenagers: Reza, an Iranian boy who just moved to the city and is struggling with his sexuality; Art, the only boy at their high school who is openly gay; and Judy, Art’s best friend with a big heart and a passion for anything fashion.
*Please note: this book review contains spoilers*
OK, but what is it really about?
When Iranian teenage boy Reza moves to New York with his mother to live with his new stepfather and stepbrother, he’s thrown into a whole new, scary world: it’s hard enough to be the new kid in school, but it’s even harder to be the new kid with the brown skin, a perfect target for the bullies. Mostly though, Reza is terrified that someone will discover his deepest secret: he is gay, but the only thing he’s ever learned about gay people is that they will likely die of AIDS. Reza befriends Judy, an aspiring fashion designer and her best friend Art, whose greatest treasure is his camera, with which he wants to document the AIDS crisis that has taken a hold of the city. Judy starts dating Reza, but he feels attracted to Art - as the two boys grow closer, a love triangle will put their friendship to a test.
Is it any good?
With “Like a Love Story”, the author managed to write a beautiful coming-of-age story that includes the trials and tribulations many teenagers go through. But is much more than that: Abdi Nazemian, whose own experience growing up as an Iranian boy in both Canada and the US is mirrored in the character of Reza, paints a colorful and vivid picture of New York in the late 1980s - I have never set foot in the city during that particular time period, yet I feel like I was there. The characters may be fictional, but the events surrounding them are real: the height of the HIV and AIDS pandemic, its dire consequences for the gay community and the protests organized by ACT UP activists.
It’s a tale that perfectly describes people’s need to belong and the power of being embraced by a community, the sorrow and beauty of first love, and the devastating pain of losing someone close to your heart. Last but not least, “Like a Love Story” is an ode to Madonna, her music and her status as one of the greatest gay icons.
Favorite character?
I have a soft spot for all three main characters: they are young, they are struggling, they are full of dreams, hope and passion. Judy, Art and Reza are relatable and come across as extremely real and authentic. But Judy’s gay uncle Stephen is the one who holds it all together; he is not only the link between the teenagers, but at the same time he is filling out so many roles at once: father figure, beloved uncle, trusted friend, outspoken activist, role model, big brother, grieving lover. Even though Stephen dying was inevitable, I couldn’t stop crying when he did, and after he was gone, it felt like he had taken with him all the zest and energy from the remaining pages.
Most memorable quote?
“Art is my tornado. He came into my life like a cyclone, and ever since, I have been in my own version of Oz. My life was once sepia toned, one color, bland. Now it is a rainbow world of excitement and anticipation.”
Conclusion?
I obviously loved reading this book - even though, I must admit, I was rather dumbfounded by the ending; perhaps it was misguided of me to expect something different, something “happier”, instead of the realistic take the author offered. Be that as it may, I wholeheartedly recommend “Like a Love Story” to anyone who is looking for a little love, heartache and glamour in a book. And afterwards or in between, be sure to dig out your old Madonna tapes, CDs or vinyl. Sure, you can easily find her music online these days, but that wouldn’t be very 80s now, would it?
AT A GLANCE
Title: Like a Love Story
Author: Abdi Nazemian
Published by: Balzer + Bray (2019)
Pages: 432
Language: English