REFUGE

In VanPatten’s novel, a recently widowed gay father tries to help a niece whom he suspects is being abused.

After being disowned in Texas as a “sinner” by his parents, Jesse Pérez eventually finds happiness in California with his partner, David, and Matthew, their son with autism. Following David’s untimely death, Jesse and his child attempt to settle into their new reality. Another upheaval occurs with the sudden appearance of Gloria Salazar, Jesse’s teenage niece from Lubbock, who’s pregnant and reluctant to disclose details. Jesse accompanies Gloria when she gets an abortion, knowing it could be risky with Texas’ strict anti-abortion laws that even reach across state borders. Gloria wants to live with Jesse, rather than return home—but then Jesse’s brother-in-law brings her back to Texas against her will. Jesse’s reluctant to leave his routine-loving son, and he also finds himself drawn to Bobby Martínez, a widowed Californian cop he just met; however, he decides to return to the Lone Star State to help his niece. In this novel, VanPatten explores such difficult subjects as antigay bigotry, rape, grief, and religious intolerance. However, the story also has a pleasant flow, with natural, unforced dialogue. It’s very easy to tell the good people from the bad, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing; Bobby, for instance, is shown to be a helpful police officer who brings Jesse’s son cookies and assists with homework. At another point, a protective services agent lets Gloria stay with her for a few nights, and Jesse’s former high school teacher tells him “I like to think I helped you on your own path.” Spiteful characters, including Jesse’s parents and sister, and a Texas cop who pulls a gun on Jesse, are shown as twisted by discriminatory religious doctrines, while others act from sheer ignorance. For the most part, though, this is a sweet story of how members of chosen families can soothe and heal one another. Although the romance between Jesse and Bobby lacks surprises, this fact enhances, rather than detracts, from the pleasure of reading this comforting book.

An earnest and positive novel that explores heavy topics.