The Short History of a Prince

Happy New Year!  The University was closed today so I was able to read another recommendation of a colleague, The Short History of a Prince by Jane Hamilton.  A coming of age book that chronicled the life of Walter McCloud and his family, friends, and neighbors during pivotal times of his life, especially focusing on two major events: the death of his brother (Daniel) in 1972 and then 1996 when Walter moves back to Wisconsin, becoming a high school teacher.  What I liked about the book was the journey of Walter and how he was changed during the dying process.  Some really great characters in the book, aunt Sue, friend Susan, the noisy next door neighbor (Mrs. Gamble), his parents, and of course his extended relatives.  The story is riveting and includes Walter’s “coming out process” by falling in love with his dance student friend though he gets humiliated at the end of the process.  This is an extremely realistic story and could be told by lots of young men who have struggled with feeling comfortable enough with their sexuality at such a young age.  It is sad that a “friend” would take advantage of another for the sake of pure “physical sex”…  Walter begins his story in high school while his brother is dying of cancer.  Walter, who is heavily influenced by his aunt, turns to ballet as his escape.  The problem is that he isn’t very good and no one tells him this honest truth.  Walter has the “turning point” when his parents share the news about his brother and his “male friend” is hiding under the bed after having sex with Walter.  What a turning point… things go downhill for him, quickly.   Within the story there is also the importance of “place” and in this case, it is the family summer home, which as the story unfolds we learn it is going to be lost.  Hamilton does a good job of moving between the past and the present adding more information and leaving us with a nice climax at the end.  Nice to see Walter come full circle and begin to feel comfortable in his own skin, and with his family.  Thanks for suggesting John…