David Wilcox’s novel, “Plain and Normal,” introduces us to Mr. Norris, a recently divorced man navigating the complexities of love and relationships in a world brimming with eccentric characters. While not explicitly set in Boston, the universal themes of self-discovery and the search for connection resonate deeply, offering relatable scenarios for anyone exploring the “eros” of modern life, even those seeking an “Eros Guide Boston.”
Mr. Norris’s journey begins with a nudge from his ex-wife, Pearl Fay, a synchronized swimming coach who envisions a brighter, more socially engaged future for him post-divorce. Their cohabitation in Yonkers, despite the divorce, adds a layer of bittersweet familiarity to Mr. Norris’s life, a common experience for many navigating relationship transitions. He grapples with his identity as a gay man who has never actually experienced a romantic relationship, questioning societal expectations and his own desires.
”Sure,” Pearl Fay ”had made an honest man of him, yanking him out of the closet. But the truth was, he didn’t want to be honest, not that honest. If it had been up to him, he would have been perfectly happy to coast into old age with a bland, respectable, sexless marriage. If most straight couples could get away with this, why not he?”
This internal conflict highlights a central theme of the novel: the tension between societal pressures to conform to certain relationship norms and the individual’s authentic desires. Mr. Norris’s contemplation of a “bland, respectable, sexless marriage” mirrors a broader societal conversation about the evolving definitions of relationships and happiness, a conversation relevant in bustling urban centers like Boston, where individuals are constantly redefining their personal “eros guides.”
Wilcox populates “Plain and Normal” with a cast of memorable, if somewhat exaggerated, personalities. Bruce Powers, the epitome of heterosexuality, ironically finds himself drawn to Pearl Fay. Dawne Schmidlapp, a meter reader and former synchronized swimmer, challenges assumptions about sexuality. Dusty, with her unconventional dating choices, further blurs the lines of societal expectations. And then there’s Mrs. Kundaa, Mr. Norris’s secretary, a character who thrives on conflict and possesses a history as dramatic as any soap opera plotline.
”For some reason he couldn’t fathom, his secretary seemed to thrive on conflict. When there wasn’t a landlady around to sue for slander or a dog walker to drag off to small-claims court, she would come down with a cold or the flu, which would clear up immediately if she was unjustly billed by Sprint. Mr. Norris had never liked her. But as a gentleman, he felt it was his duty to protect her from this dislike, and so bent over backward to be courteous and give her the benefit of the doubt.”
These characters, while bordering on caricature, serve to amplify the novel’s exploration of human eccentricities and the often-comical misunderstandings that arise in social interactions, particularly in the realm of dating and relationships. For readers in Boston seeking an “eros guide,” these exaggerated personalities can be seen as reflections of the diverse and sometimes perplexing dating landscape.
While the supporting characters occasionally veer into the realm of the unbelievable, the heart of the novel lies in Mr. Norris’s relatable yearning for connection. His “pining for love or, hell, even lust” is portrayed with both humor and tenderness, making him a sympathetic protagonist in his awkward quest for romance. His interactions, such as the apartment viewing with Ken Lewis, showcase the often-uncomfortable realities of modern dating and the financial considerations that frequently intertwine with romantic pursuits.
”Twenty-one hundred a month and they don’t even give you a stove?
”This microwave will do a turkey in 20 minutes.
Ultimately, “Plain and Normal” may not be a literal “eros guide boston,” but it offers a witty and insightful look at the human desire for connection and the often-absurd paths we take in search of it. Through Mr. Norris’s experiences and the colorful characters surrounding him, readers can find humorous reflections of their own romantic journeys and perhaps glean a few unconventional lessons about navigating the complexities of love and relationships in any city, including Boston. The novel reminds us that the search for “eros” is often plain, sometimes normal, and frequently filled with unexpected twists and turns.
