What I Did Wrong, John Weir

It has been quite some time since I read queer literature. Or, something that was so obviously queer literature. I realize this label might seem unnecessary. Or, even harmful for a novel. But, this is a genre of fiction. Some authors may not intend for their books to be seen in such a small way. I feel John Weir wouldn't mind. In fact, I'm sure Weir is perfectly content with such a label.

What I Did Wrong is the quintessential queer novel in that it deals with AIDS. Queer literature deals with AIDS or coming out. This is a fact. What I Did Wrong does rise above a lot of queer lit, though. The novel is playful. The novel is thoughtful. The novel rises above most cliches.

Weir writes like a creative writer. The difference between literature and creative writing is the voice and style. There is something very cut and paste about this novel. Weir fills his novel with a handful of poems written by a student of the main characters writing course. The poems aren't good. They aren't meant to be good. But, they're really not good. And, distracting.

Weir writes like a catty bitch. A literate bitch. But, still quite catty. This might be the first novel I've read with such a distinct cattiness in tone. this is impressive in itself, I guess. The literary and pop culture references are overwhelming. Weir mentions Dennis Cooper, F Scott Fitzgerald, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, and Gertrude Stein without pause. This could be very overwhelming for some readers. Although, I found it a bit enjoyable to think about the references as they were thrown at me.

The novel isn't too long. The sentences aren't complex. The prose is beautiful at times. The plot is pretty flat.

C+