City of Night - John Rechy

A stark but compassionate account of queer subculture and sex work in 1950’s and 60’s North America.

Rechy’s infamous debut follows a young male hustler as he explores his desires and searches for self-knowledge through the neon streets, shaded parks, clubs and closed bedroom doors of New York, San Francisco, L.A and New Orleans. The novel’s stream-of-consciousness account paints the roving vibrancy of the scene, while its interview style portraits of lonely scores, butch hustlers, queens, BDSM practitioners and fading Hollywood stars provide candid snapshots of queer post-war life.

Perfect for those who enjoy: Dereck Jarman, James Baldwin, Jack Kerouac, Andrea Lawlor, Sam Shepard, Wim Wenders.