Cowboy Book

It took me ages to finish this book, because it's unbearable at moments, a big train wreck waiting to happen. So I read, put it down, read, put it down, until I was able to get to the last 50% and finish it almost in one go.

It's not an easy book, because the three protagonists all have their share of flaws. At least for me. So.

Marcus, the narrator, is from a good family. Travelling west he met Kent, the epitome of the cowboy. Handsome, strong, silent, rough. On the outside he's all to die for, but when you get closer you meet a guy who's digging himself an early grave through drinking, who's not so keen on taking showers, who steals from his own cash register to buy beer and who's the most selfish and lousy lover you could meet.

Still, Marcus hangs on to him. He cleans the house, keeps the books, tries to be lovely and caring and to breach through the man. Marcus is grateful for the way Kent welcomed him in his life, gave him a job, a house, meals, but he can't help feeling dissatisfied with this lack of affection.

On a day when Kent is away to do some errands, Luke arrives, a cute young man who's been fleeing from home and who only owns the clothes he's wearing. Kent has never been loved either and he has a lot of love to give. Marcus craves for what Luke has to offer, but he also feels he has to be loyal to Kent.

My problems with the characters - personal issues, nothing to do with the way the author protrayed them: Kent is selfish, I can't see a reason why Marcus has to be so accomodating. He knows he's not meeting Marcus' needs, and I also think he knows he's taking advantage of the man's devotion. Marcus is indecisive and a bit childish sometimes. I didn't have the impression he was such a great help to Kent in his job, sitting there by the cash register. Also, with his picture book of cowboys under the bed, he seemed someone who was refusing to grow up, a bit immature. I was thinking he also didn't want to lose the security Kent gave him and he looked very clueless a lot of time. Luke is needy and pushy, I could forgive the former, not the latter. He knew he was inciting Marcus to cheat on Kent, and I don't care how selfish Kent was, but it's not appropriate. The sexual tension was great, though, and you could really feel the desire floating in the air.

I don't think it's a book I'd recommended, because it's not all flowers and romance and because of the unpleasantness of the characters. I think it's a book you could really get to hate. You'll have to take your chances with this one. Kudos to the author for tackling this level of imperfection.