Monkey Suits: a novel
by Jim Provenzano
Category: Fiction

"The cater waiter is the ultimate illusion; queer posing as straight, liberal posing as conservative, hedonist posing as eunuch." In his second novel, Jim Provenzano (author of the acclaimed PINS) explores Manhattan society life from the servants' point of view. Monkey Suits serves up a compassionate and witty tale of 1980s class warfare, and the romantic entanglements of a quintet of tuxedo-clad waiters. Lee Wyndam's work-related affairs lead to more frustration than he'd expected. Drawn to activism, his passion may finally blossom. His ex-boyfriend Brian Burns' foray into "the oldest profession" leads to a strange encounter. Ed Seabrook, Brian's spiritual boyfriend, Marcos Tierra, a sassy club kid, and Ritchie Hurst, a (mostly) straight sculptor, each have their lives forever changed by a tumultuous benefit protest. "Jim Provenzano captures an era in gay history with humor and poignancy. He has become one of our strongest voices." -poet Alex Gildzen