Alan Hollinghurst explores identity and political change in his latest novel, Our Evenings

Alan Hollinghurst is a British novelist who has made a name for himself by writing from a gay perspective. From his first novel in the 1980s, he has focused on telling stories that center around the lives of gay men and the world they inhabit. His works, including The Swimming-Pool Library, The Line of Beauty, and The Sparsholt Affair, have garnered critical acclaim and shed light on various aspects of queer life.

In a recent interview on Bookends with Mattea Roach, Hollinghurst discussed his latest novel, Our Evenings, which introduces a new element to his writing – a biracial protagonist. The story follows Dave Win, a biracial character whose experiences growing up in small-town England in the 1960s to the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020 are chronicled. Hollinghurst explained that he was drawn to exploring life from a different racial perspective, which he believes is an increasingly urgent question in today’s culture.

Despite delving into new territory with a biracial character, Hollinghurst wanted to draw from his own experiences in writing this story. He saw the mixed-race aspect as an interesting way to explore different perspectives while still incorporating elements of his own life. Dave’s journey mirrors some aspects of Hollinghurst’s own life, as both characters grew up in a small town, attended Oxford University, and immersed themselves in London’s queer community.

One of the key themes in Our Evenings is the idea of being an outsider looking in. Dave’s scholarship to a prestigious boarding school highlights the challenges he faces as a brown boy from a working-class background among England’s elite. Hollinghurst wanted to address issues of race, classism, and exclusion while ensuring that Dave remains a resilient and optimistic character who is the hero of his own story.

The novel is divided into two parts, with the first focusing on Dave’s schooling and the second on his adult life. Hollinghurst wanted to capture the passage of time and the way it seems to speed up as one grows older. The changing political landscape in England, particularly regarding its relationship with the European Union, serves as a backdrop to Dave’s personal journey.

Hollinghurst also reflected on the evolution of the “gay novel” and his role in shaping it. While his work has been recognized for centering on gay experiences, he noted that there is more to his writing than just the characters’ sexuality. The shifting tides of global perspectives on queer life are something he is acutely aware of, as freedoms and equality are increasingly under threat.

In conclusion, Alan Hollinghurst continues to push boundaries and explore new perspectives in his writing. Our Evenings is a testament to his ability to tackle complex themes with nuance and sensitivity, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of characters who navigate the intersection of race, sexuality, and identity.