Real Life

Brandon Taylor's acclaimed novel, Real life, introduces Wallace, a quiet Black gay graduate student from Alabama pursuing biochemistry in a Midwestern university town. The story unfolds over a single summer weekend, as long-simmering tensions among Wallace's friend group come to a head. This campus novel delves into the intricacies of his social and academic life, exploring themes of race, class, and sexual identity within a predominantly white, privileged environment. SAFO users who appreciate nuanced explorations of queer life and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly Black gay men in academic settings, will find this a compelling read.