Charlie Porter's debut novel, "Nova Scotia House," presents a gripping narrative shaped by the rhythmic use of commas. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s Aids crisis, it follows Johnny, a 19-year-old navigating London’s queer scene under the guidance of Jerry, a 45-year-old mentor. As Johnny grapples with love and loss, particularly in relation to Jerry's death, the novel examines themes of memory, grief, and acceptance. Now, 30 years later, Johnny remains in Jerry's flat, reflecting a life stunted by nostalgia and the ongoing search for meaningful connections.
The humble comma, normally so easily overlooked, is clearly Charlie Porter's weapon of choice for his debut novel, propelling the narrative with an urgent staccato rush.
Nova Scotia House tells the story of living through the Aids crisis of the 1980s and 90s, accompanied by the ghostly presence of those who didn't survive.
If we normalize Jerry's death, we eradicate Jerry; if we normalize the nightmare of HIV, we eradicate its victims.
Johnny's story is told from the sober, sad vantage point of 30 years later, living in Jerry's flat while connections come via dispiriting hookups.
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