New Brother

An excellent, and very well written story. You feel bad for the secondary main character, while at the same time, get very aggravated at the main.

A really good and very insightful story that looks at coming out from many different angles. The gay guy coming to terms with being gay and dealing with the different reactions from friends and family, the straight friend coming to terms with his best friend being gay and realising that it hasn't changed the friend or the friendship and how we all may need time to accept and realise it. One strong point is that we all may need time and should always keep the door open for each other and allow ourselves and others to rebuild bridges and friendships when possible. The other and possibly the most important is that acceptance not tolerance is key to it all. The fear of rejection is in-built in us all and is never to made light of.

Brilliantly well written unique story about coming out from the perspective of the 'flawed' best friend, it shows the way society shapes how we think. Heartwarming and tearjerking in parts, annoying and infuriating in others showing how imperfect we all are. A recommended read if ever there was one.

This amazing story takes place in Yarra Valley, Australia in early 2000s. When sixteen year old David finds out that his best friend Adam is gay, his initial reaction is ugly homophobic outburst. Adam has been disowned by his father and finds a refuge at David’s home. Here starts the journey of David, confused, with limited knowledge shaped by homophobic society. He risks losing his friends, his family, his brother, his girlfriend, by stubborn refuse to accept homosexuality. Then, he starts learning, growing and maturing, from the pain of remorse till the full redemption. Symbolically, as the biblical King David, he is fighting his Goliath, but his Goliath is himself. At the same time Adam, as the biblical first man, has the burden being the first openly gay person in Yarra Valley Christian College.

But the real hero of the story is David’s younger brother Randy. He is giving total and unconditional support and comfort to Adam. Although straight he is being targeted as homosexual, proudly accepting to help his gay friend wearing the cross (or the pink triangle as it was in Nazi Germany, as it has been mentioned in the story). Randy shows impressive courage, attitude and steadfastness. He represents new, younger – progressive and liberal generations. Generations which will change the World. To quote Edmund Burke “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

There is impressive gallery of characters in this story. Some new friendships will be founded, some loves discovered, support will appear at the least expected places but disappointment too.

With unique point of view, this story is a must read!