Arts
A Scarecrow's Bible
A Scarecrow's
Bible
by Joe Swinyer
Content temporarily aside, this brief 201-page first novel presents
the two main characters in a unique style. Gary and Zachary give their take on the story in the first person and in parallel text. The typescript clearly identifies the speakers, both of whom are present in most chapters. Peripheral inhabitants of the novel move in and out, transported by Gary and Zachary. The text moves quickly and easily. The content mirrors, to some extent, Brokeback Mountain. The setting is rural, homophobes are violent, and Gary and Zachary deal with their sexual identities. The mirroring is not total, however. Zachary is much younger and has acknowledged his gayness. Gary is somewhat older and has had gay experiences with little emotional conflict. He is waiting for a critical life experience, his wife’s departure, to allow him to move on in the gay world. Zachary is already there.
Other themes include heavy reliance on drugs and alcohol by both main characters. This is not recreational use, but for these men, it is survival use. Until their short-lived partnering, both require substances to endure each day. Their lives are stressed and needy. Readers see homophobia expressed, strong and active, in the story. But the characters also demonstrate unexpected strength: Gary adds an “s” to the “queer” word spray-painted on their home. His former wife demands the epithet painted over. Gary refuses.
The story resolution is not happy or pretty. It is realistic, and unfortunately possible, even in 2006.
Suspect Thoughts Press, 2006.
Joe Swinyer lives in Cadyville, NY, near Plattsburgh, with his cat Tabby, also known as Mr. T. While retired, Swinyer works part-time for New York State’s Documentary Heritage Progam. He also volunteers for OITM and the RU12? Queer Community Center where he facilitates the Coming Out Support Group.