Blurb
Kevin Devereaux’s life can't get worse. He’s on probation. He’s stuck with an unemployed ex-convict dad. And he lives in a run-down trailer on the crappy east side of town. To keep his probation officer happy, Kevin joins a theater program for teenagers and falls hard for Peter Finn, the lead actor in the show—and the son of the town's leading family. Despite their differences, Peter returns Kevin’s feelings, and for the first time, Kevin learns what it means to be in love.
But Peter’s family won’t accept a gay son—let alone a boyfriend from the wrong side of the tracks—and in their conservative town, they must keep the romance secret. Still, they have the play, and they have each other, so they’ll get by—
Until a brutal attack shatters Kevin’s life and puts Peter in danger of going to jail for murder.
Review
My Rating - 5 Stars!
The Importance of Being Kevin is a remarkable novel by Steven Harper, which deserves more than 5 stars. It's a stunning coming of age tale and I'm in awe of it's splendor.
This is the story of Kevin and Peter who start off as two actors in a play together, the flirting starts, and the story takes off. There's so much depth to this story that it's amazing. From the very start, with some tender, yet hesitant flirting, I found myself completely sucked into this romance.
Kevin and Peter are complete opposites. One's rich, one's poor. One has a checkered past, the other is living a life of luxury. But both suffer in their own way in this powerful tale of abuse, first times, and more.
My first read from this author, I am blown away by it's brilliance. The writing is superb, but the story and it's message are phenomenal! This book is so much more than I could have ever expected. The author brilliantly separates the book into Acts and Scenes, like the play they are preforming in the book. This completely reinforces the different sections of the book, as they are many, in a way that is clever and effective.
And as for the play they're performing, The Importance of Being Ernest, it couldn't have been a better parallel to Kevin's life. Not a fan of the classics myself, this is a magnificent move by the author.
The author expertly explores the economic divide between the rich and the poor. Not just the monetary differences, but also the power divide. Kevin's from the wrong side of the tracks and struggles for every penny. Peter meanwhile, is from the wealthiest of families, with the power and money to do whatever they want.
Although a young adult novel, the themes are heavy. Yes, it dramatically explores the issues of good versus evil, abuse, first times, homophobia, drugs, and privilege. There are some tough triggers as well, with rape being the toughest read. Their story expertly delves into the troubles of being a closeted teen, troubles with being susceptible to losing everything in an instant, and the sacrifices one makes for love. It's a tough read with the emotional and physical pain that comes from abuse.
This is a tale of anger; both the pitfalls of giving into anger, and the continual cycle of anger causing harm. It's a story of homophobia and Peter's struggle to be gay in an affluent, homophobic family. Their story if one full of fear. It's a story of forgiveness, of allowing oneself to get out from the burden of guilt. And it's an exceptional exploration of good versus evil. I cannot recommend it enough.
And damn, it's full of twists and turns I never saw coming. (I love not reading the blurb before starting a book.)
The Importance of Being Kevin is a accomplished and impressive book with a poignant lesson. It's a phenomenal story, one that leaves me a better person for having read it. I highly recommend this story when you're in the mood for something deep. Not a light read, definitely check it out when you're looking for something special. You will not be disappointed.
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