For this week’s book review is for an emotional and eye opening fictional look at the long shadow of the AIDS Epidemic
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai is a fictional look into the world of 1985 Chicago during the height of the AIDS pandemic, and 2015 Paris as the survivors continue trying to live their lives. This is a slower paced novel that provides insight into the lives of the members of one gay community and their friends and families as they navigate the pandemic.
Rebecca Makkai dives into the loss of a generation, through the comparison of art, and the trauma that follows the loss, while offering numerous perspectives on topics such as condom usage and HIV testing. This would be the perfect read for those both new to the topic of HIV/AIDs or those looking for a more intimate story.
However, readers new to the topic may feel the need to look up certain terms or look up information about HIV on the Options website. Trigger warning for anyone who is sensitive to reading about grief, death and medical issues, as the book depicts all of those topics. While the danger and emotions during the 80s can be hard to imagine now, this book transports readers back to that time of uncertainty.
Still, this history is important to remember, and this is one of the reasons we wanted to share this book with you. Tell us what you think!