Trying Hard to Hear You by Sandra Scoppettone

Of shattering secrets coming to light, and their impact on all kinds of different people. This is a story of first love (well, more than one) and broken hearts - but not for the reason you'd expect. This is not a random side storyline, because it serves the purpose of drawing a parallel between two different kinds of love, stating that they are, in fact, the same thing. Keep in mind we're in the '70s, so you're in for some peculiar kind of bullying - not to mention the racial tension, because other than the gay issue, there's also an interracial relationship, that seems to cause mayhem nearly as much as the homosexual one. The point is how the secret, once revealed, affects the characters - especially Camilla. Of course, the big secret doesn't hold for long, but this is not the point of the book. Yes, there are a girl and two boys, but the dynamics at work here are really peculiar. In a sense, you might say this is a love triangle - except it isn't. Also, much later in the book, Jeff tells the story of how he realised he was gay, and it sounds so realistic and genuine. I sort of experienced a situation like that, so I think it's very plausible.especially given the still-not-so-enlightened time frame. You can tell they are really close, though Jeff has a huge secret he didn't tell Camilla.he's gay. The two of them have known each other for years, and Camilla doesn't see him as a possible boyfriend, which is refreshing. I also loved her relationship with Jeff, her best friend. She's genuine, fresh, introspective but outgoing. I took an immediate liking to Camilla, the 16 year old narrator. Let me start by saying that the frame for this novel is one of my favourite: the kids are setting up a summer theatre show. Because, 1973 or not, it will touch your heart. So, what I mean in the end is, you have to give this story a chance. But mind you, if less often, this still happens today. Yes, there was so much more ignorance going around those days, and lots of people thought that homosexuality was a mental illness (or a perversion, pure and simple). Well, maybe (just maybe) the racial episode.but not the gay content. It's not ancient history, and it's not boring, and it's not outdated. What I mean is, everyone can relate to this story. Also, I've never lived in a small American suburb during an age of turmoils and attempted change. The seventies! Even for me, who was already born at the time, this is a story that dates a little way back, since I was only a kid in 1973.

Also, I don't know if any parts of this novel have been cut off in my version.

Review: Sort-of-disclaimer: I read the Italian translation of this book, so I can't really judge the writing style.

Trying Hard to Hear You by Sandra Scoppettone