It’s 1988 and Aristotle and Dante are so much more aware of themselves and their feelings for each other.

But this is a time when gay men are ostracised, hated and ignored by governments as the Aids epidemic races through the world. Dante and Aristotle are aware of this swing from hate to indifference by many as gay men die, even in their own community. They wonder about their own future together with so much prejudice against them.

Their love for each other is now strong, deep and sure – most of the time. They both still wonder if one loves more than the other, sparking short bursts of anger between them as they struggle with their insecurities.

Now that their relationship is clear to them and their loving, supportive parents, they enjoy it more and relax enough to let others in. Ari makes friends with people he never thought he’d do, with one girl in particular he has spent his life hating.

Hate is such a strong emotion though, and watching others in the world hate those affected by the Aids epidemic and also a teacher who is racist and called out on it, makes him realise that people are made and moulded by their upbringing, experiences and just living, and hate is such a corrosive emotion. Still these people need to be made aware of how they make others feel.

Ari has gone from being a complete loner to having a circle of friends who not only support him but love him unconditionally. It is soon 1989 and their last year of high school. Ari is excited about this but concerned too about Dante’s word “Forever”. How can they be forever when they will be going to different colleges after graduation?

Suddenly losing forever with Dante is pushed to the side as Ari loses someone else. This loss is especially hard as Ari had just begun to get to know him. Again, he is picked up and supported by his new friends and Dante at his side.

This last year of high school is a year of firsts for Ari as he gets to know not only his new friends, but his parents, his teachers and ultimately himself – more.

Finally graduation arrives, along with opportunities not to be missed. Is this when “Forever” is lost for Dante and Ari?

There are special stories that come along and I label them beautiful. This (and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Universe) is one of them. To mark this out as more than that, I’d like to call these books Magnificent. Why? Because even though decades older than the main characters, I feel as I am learning as they learn – about themselves, human nature, and the people who love them. Or maybe I’m just being reminded of the best of these things as I experience them through Ari’s eyes.

I’m a quick reader, but these novels somehow make me slow down. They aren’t plot driven with tons of action, twists and turns. This novel is a journey of two young men beginning their adult lives – and it won’t and can’t be rushed. 

Again – Magnificent.

Author – Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Age – 14+

Read a Review for the first in this Duology (Click on the Cover)

(2021, Simon & Schuster, Mexican, American, Love, Romance, Family, Loss, Grief, Friendship, Growing up, Becoming an adult, Last year of High School, 1988, 1989, Opportunities, Letting go – or not, Support, Being gay, Aids epidemic, Racist, Racism, Crickets, School, Parents, Teachers, LGBTQ+, Hate, Relationships, Series, Prejudice)