Affliction is the story of a closeted gay husband and father and the effects of his secret on his family. Laura Hall was trying to make sense of her marriage infidelities when her father came out to her. She believed her relationship fails were due to a genetic predisposition her father possessed. His revelation forced her to reevaluate her childhood and her relationship with her father. Finally, her father's unique characteristics, hobbies, and likes made sense.
It was almost impossible for a gay man to come out in the 1930s when Ralph Hall was growing up. He was forced to live a life that was not meant for him. Laura recounts his stories of his double life and struggles with the choices he was forced to make. It was very sad to read about the injustices gay men suffered at that time. I can only imagine the relief he felt to be able to come out to his children.
But this is not just the story of Laura Halls father. I was born in the 70s when Laura was a teenager. It was a treat to read about life in the 50s and 60s and how the summer of love shaped her life becoming a teenage mother. It was such a different life back then. Something I can only imagine. Through this novel, we get to meet the whole family and their story with their father.
It was almost impossible for a gay man to come out in the 1930s when Ralph Hall was growing up. He was forced to live a life that was not meant for him. Laura recounts his stories of his double life and struggles with the choices he was forced to make. It was very sad to read about the injustices gay men suffered at that time. I can only imagine the relief he felt to be able to come out to his children.
But this is not just the story of Laura Halls father. I was born in the 70s when Laura was a teenager. It was a treat to read about life in the 50s and 60s and how the summer of love shaped her life becoming a teenage mother. It was such a different life back then. Something I can only imagine. Through this novel, we get to meet the whole family and their story with their father.