Brandaniel Weir

The love that dare not speak its name.

This is a pair of parallel and intertwined stories (one that happens at the beginning of World War I and the other in the 1950s) about men trying to come to terms with their sexuality in societies where homosexuality is reviled. The authenticity of these stories is captivating, and I read them in one sitting. Even after finishing it, I continue to think about it. And there is a lot to think about.

For me, Tane's War raises the question, 'what do we, as a society, value?' Epictetus in the 'enchiridion' talks at one point about how men complement girls for being pretty. So the girls, perceiving that their values derives from their appearance, adorn and decorate themselves. Epictetus chastises men for this, saying that they should give praise for good virtue. What does it say about our values when we celebrate violence and aggression but denigrate the love between two people? When we allow people in our communities and families to feel shame or fear or exclusion because of love?

A good book stays with you long after the cover is closed. I suspect Tane's War is going to stay with me for a while.… (plus d'informations)