Blackbird, a prequel novel focusing on Rousseau’s childhood, was published the following year and more strongly established Duplechan’s reputation as an important writer of gay African-American fiction. The novel introduced Johnnie Ray Rousseau, the lead character in nearly all of his subsequent novels. Writingĭuplechan published his first novel, Eight Days a Week, in 1985. After graduation, he initially pursued a career in music, both as a solo singer and as a member of a jazz vocal group, but gave it up after the time demands of pursuing music while also holding down a full-time day job began to threaten his relationship with his partner Greg Harvey. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied English and participated in the university’s men’s choir.

Backgroundĭuplechan was born on Decemin Los Angeles, California. He is best known for his novelsBlackbird, adapted in 2014 by Patrik-Ian Polk as a film starring Mo'Nique and Isiah Washington, and Got ‘til It’s Gone, which won an award in the Gay Romance category at the 21st Lambda Literary Awards. So music revelation was the best I took from this story.Larry Duplechan (born Decemin Los Angeles, California) is an American novelist. However, this part was actually kind of positive because I wasn't lazy, so I was hanging on the internet checking many of the hits mentioned in the book and discovered some amazing melodies I've never heard before. Because many times mentioning of the certain song was an answer or description of the situation, emotion, etc. There are way too many music references and for someone (like me) who is unfamiliar with US pop music from 70s or so this was kind of tricky. I always think 'OK just finish and lets move one with the story'. OK I don't mind sex but I always find it in literature kind of unnecessary especially in huge amounts. Too much of even humour becomes kind of bland, even annoying.

I like humour indeed but 'till certain point. I didn't find resemblance between Johnnie Ray Rousseau in 'Blackbird' and the one in 'Eight Days a Week'. So I was hoping that the atmosphere from 'Blackbird' will be transmitted in this one as well. This is sequel of very good indeed, 'Blackbird' but this one has been written and published before 'Blackbird'.

Blackbird by Larry Duplechan