Counter Culture

Gents by Warwick Collins

The subject matter of this book is unusual and might put some off if they just read the short description. It is a book that is largely set in a public toilet manned by Jamaican immigrants and frequented by Gays!  The book itself, however, is much more.

Gents looks at prejudice in different forms in a refreshingly non-judgemental way. It shows that it is not the preserve of one particular population group but it doesn’t preach.  It’s about moral dilemmas and the choices people make.

It is also a study of an enclosed world, the cleaning, smells and claustrophobia of an underground lavatory lit only by a skylight. Despite what might seem unpromising material some of the descriptions of movement and sound are beautiful! The author also has an ear for conversation and dialect which makes it a pleasure to read.

More than anything this book has an underlying humanity (often expressed through the thoughts and words of Ezekiel Murphy or his wife). It is not a ‘Gay book or an ‘anti -Gay’ book. The reader is largely left to decide issues raised. If there is a moral to be found it is perhaps that one should accept that trying to change things can make them worse!

Gents is very easy to read with characters that are clearly defined and interesting. Their relationships and differences are explored. I was surprised at how much I liked Gents.