J N Pratley

A Not Too Gay Life J N Pratley

Introverted Zeke, a budding biophysicist, and extroverted Marion, an aspiring humanistic psychologist, meet while in graduate school in Texas in 1957. They find the differences in their disciplines and temperaments provocative and enticing, and the young men are immediately attracted to each other. Zeke and Marion are soon inseparable, and after graduation they both accept academic jobs in California. The counterculture and sexual freedom of 1960s California provide the perfect environment for Zeke and Marion, and they flourish both in their professions and in their relationship. But when Zeke feels their lifestyle has become too extreme, Marion and Zeke begin to argue, and a sharp division between their respective philosophies drives them into the arms of other lovers. These infidelities prove unsatisfying, and Zeke and Marion recommit to each other. Though they are often parted during leaves and sabbaticals abroad, they arrange reunions that reinforce their mutual love and respect and the deeper meanings of their relationship. But is this new intellectual form of Platonic love strong enough to survive the strain brought on by the death of loved ones and Marion's descent into alcoholism?