Jim Grimsley
From the Author
My Synopsis
My Notes
Related Titles
Purchase this Item
Visit Amazon.com
Return to Home
Dream Boy
Jim Grimsley I've checked Amazon periodically to see what kind of reviews Dream Boy has gotten from its readers and have been delighted in general. The end of Dream Boy is intended to further the whole dreamlike quality of the book, not to resolve the story. Readers who prefer an ending without ambiguity will not find the book to be satisfying. It is disturbing to read comments written by readers who feel enabled to assess an artist's whole life from their individual reaction to a book. But most readers have been happy with the book's evocation of love between two teenage boys. I wrote the kind of book that I myself like to read, and I hope anyone coming to Dream Boy will not ask it to be something other than itself.Nathan and his family move once more, only this time, Nathan finds himself living on a remote farm in North Carolina. His only neighbours include fellow teen, Roy. After only a few weeks on the farm, Nathan finds himself infatuated with Roy. And, to his surprise, Roy returns the interest. Soon, the two develop a relationship that blossoms into a love affair.-- Jim Grimsley, 27 April 1998
For the first time in his live Nathan seems to have someone who loves him. His life is quickly changing. The popular, athletic, good-looking Roy has introduced him to his friends, included him in his activities, and helped him with his school work. Lurking behind each of their meetings, however, is the shadow of Nathan’s abusive and alcoholic father. When his father (again) tries to abuse Nathan, the young boy takes to sleeping in a near-by graveyard. Roy, confused by what is happening, tries to help Nathan and hides him in the barn.
In an effort to relieve some of the pressures that seem to be weighing on Nathan, Roy suggests they go on a camping trip with two other friends. The four boys set out for a weekend of adventure, but Nathan seems to know that he will not return. What happens next, I will not reveal. The ending is shocking and emotional and will completely surprise even the best detectives.
Jim Grimsley is a master of prose as well as storytelling. This is by far, one of the best novels (of any genre) that I have read. I will warn you now, if you have not read the book, READ NO FURTHER! I strongly urge you buy this book, borrow it from a library, or steal it from a friend. It will leave you stunned for days.
The title of the book sounds like a coming-of-age story where a boy finds his “dream” of a lover and to a point, this is true. But the title really refers to the “dream-like,” almost surreal, life of the protagonist, Nathan. From the first-person present tense narrative, the swimming prose, the haunting landscape and imagery, and most of all – the breathtaking ending – this book draws the reader into dream that is Nathan’s life. It is hard not to feel every emotion as you read about the two boys in this book.
I have read a number of reviews and comments about this book, and have talked to quite a few people who have read it. And while most like the book, nearly everyone complains about the ending. Usually, saying they found the unresolved fate of the protagonist to be distracting – or even annoying and upsetting. This is what makes Grimsley the literary genius. He leaves you feeling emotionally drained near the end of the story, and then changes the rules. Not being sure that I understood the ending, I re-read it over and over. Slowly taking in each word and phrase, looking for meaning and resolution. But it is not there.
Is he dead? Is he dreaming? The order of the events seems to make very little sense, but you have to remember that they are being related to you by Nathan, who himself, is unsure what is happening. Thankfully, Grimsley does not explain the outcome of Nathan and Roy. He does not tell you what really happened, and this only enforces the surreal nature of the book.
Regardless, one thing is for sure. Nathan is free and his love for Roy has been publicly reciprocated. I think this is the main theme of the book. Nathan has never felt love (at least in the context of this book) and certainly seems to need it. As long as he is tied to his family he can not receive what he really needs. His father regularly abuses him, and his mother does nothing to intervene. He has never been able to make friends and perhaps does not want to get close to anyone because of the abuse, the moving, and the fact that he is gay. Now, he has found someone he loves and someone who loves him.
When he and Roy first have sex, his narrative is shocking. Not because of the sex, but because of the though process he is relaying. He does not want to reveal his needs and desires to Roy and he does not want to seem to eager to be physical because he is afraid Roy might question where he has learned his skills. Of course, this is exactly what happens and the relationship grows more secure because of the argument that ensues. In fact, each meeting of the boys cements their commitment to each other, even though neither seems to understand this. Indeed, when Roy finally physically reciprocates Nathan’s affections, he has made the decision that Nathan is the only one he can love. Only hours later, as Roy kneels weeping over Nathan’s lifeless body does Nathan realize the true love he feels for Roy. The reader is lulled into thinking that this is too late, but of course, the ending reunites the two boys (it appears) and their love is publicly proclaimed when they run away from the churchyard full of stunned on-lookers.
Related Titles
- Winter Birds
By: Jim Grimsley- The Boys on the Rock
By: John Fox- My Worst Date
By: David Leddick
Return to Top
Copyright © 1998-1999 Mark James. Page design and graphics by Ann Stretton.
