An anticipated release that fell extraordinarily flat to me, unfortunately. In Tongues captures the listless and transient nature of NYC in your early 20s, which is already a niche well-explored in literary fiction. Combined with a very apolitical lens of gay culture in the late 90s, one-dimensional characters, and a meandering plot, this just didn’t catch my attention.

As a protagonist Gordon had no sense of identity for me - his passive nature and lack of ambition make it difficult for him to emerge from the wide cast of secondary characters with any discernible traits. He wanders from one opportunity to the next and has no real sense of loyalty, which makes him fairly unlikeable. I don’t dislike unlikeable narrators, but he didn’t feel like one I understood or found myself intrigued by.

The writing feels timid and cautious like it’s trying to appease everyone by only going halfway with most storylines. It kept pivoting between disjoint story arcs that added little to the narrative, and the result was a book that lacked identity. Every character has the same voice and perspective, and the storytelling lacks a sense of cohesion. I also loathed the ending.

Overall, I appreciate slice-of-life literary fiction but this felt very average and forgettable. Thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux
and NetGalley for the ARC!

I didn't quite know what to make of this. A slice of queer life in the early 2000s? Maybe, a counterpoint to the striving, ambition, and relentless hard work we're told make up the American dream.

Gordon is a drifter. He's also an observer. Not that he often acts on what he sees.

After a difficult homelife elsewhere, Gordon arrives in New York. He moves on from his initial dead-end job to walking dogs - something gifted him by his only friends in the city. From there, he drifts into only walking the dogs belonging for a queer couple in the art trade and from there, he sort of becomes a homehelp for them. Sort of part of their relationship as well. And the politicking.

Unsurprisingly perhaps, it ends badly. Gordon once again is left drifting, trying to milk other relationships he hasn't bothered to maintain.

I found him an unlikeable character. Not actively bad, ,just someone caught up in the ebb and flow of life and not willing to push towards any shore that offered better things until right at the end of the book.

A young gay man moves to NYC after a breakup and ends up working for / involved with a powerful art world couple. This is the ultimate self discovery novel that so perfectly captures the time in your early 20s where you’re completely aware of your flaws, but not yet strong enough to change your behavior. I not only loved, but felt like I knew these characters. I miss them already. I loved this book!

I have been wondering why I enjoyed this book so much and have hard time putting a finger on it. I had many moments when I really didn’t want to stop reading and kept starting the next chapter despite having to go to sleep. I think what it comes down to is how mesmerising the characters are. Most of the people passing through Gordon’s life are so interesting even though we don’t get to know that much about their lives and pasts. We learn about their personalities through dialogue which is such a strong part of this novel. Gordon is a really interesting character as well even though his motivations are rather unclear and he is basically stumbling through life. His humour, although clearly a protective mechanism, was really good. I absolutely loved getting entangled in Phillip’s and Nicola’s lives and getting such a range of ages and personalities was so joyous and welcome. The book lost me a little bit on part 3 but the last chapter beautifully pulled it together.
Definitely a recommendation for fans of lgbtq+ novels who enjoy older characters and coming of age stories.

Thank you to Farrar, Straus and Giroux and NetGalley for the eARC!

Thomas Grattan’s In Tongues is the kind of aimless yet endearing novel that’s nothing short of a delight to read. We follow Gordon, a gay 20-something who uproots his life in Minneapolis and heads to New York City, where nothing and no one in particular await him.

In Tongues is “slice of life” done right—the book’s plot is not made up of the traditional exposition/rising action/climax/denouement, but rather a series of the ordinary moments and interactions that, combined, create a life. Most of these moments are mundane and minute, but none are devoid of meaning. While he fumbles through disappointing jobs, messy sexual encounters, and fleeting friendships, Gordon is faced with the challenge of forming a life that feels right, and choosing how to present himself to the world—as is everyone else he meets, whether or not he recognizes it.

I was particularly struck by Grattan’s exploration of the ways in which people are capable not only of uplifting each other, but also of letting each other down, usually down hard. For every act of kindness bestowed upon Gordon, there is also an act of cruelty, and both often come from the same person. This contrast, though sad, made the moments of joy more joyous, the moments of beauty more beautiful.

I have next to no criticism to offer In Tongues; I devoured the book in a matter of days, as I came to care about Gordon’s fate and was curious to know where he’d go next. Perhaps my only critique is that the “historical” setting of the early 2000s, particularly 2001 and 9/11, could have played a larger role. Aside from references to anachronistic technology, secret gay hookups, and a few pages set in the days after 9/11, it was easy to forget that the novel takes place nearly 25 years ago. Considering how specific this moment in time was, for the gay community and the US in general, I would have liked to have felt transported there more viscerally.

Still, I absolutely recommend In Tongues as a memorable testament to the consolations of found family and the loves and losses that make us who we are.

Thank you to NetGalley and FSG for the advanced copy!

This is the kind of story that A24 would produce with a mid-range budget and no-name actors with most of the money going into shooting on film for the night time bits the most grain to give the film the heft that it lacks.

There's something light yet buoyant about Grattan's writing that doesn't nearly pierce the core of the emotional beats he wants to hit with our lost gay twentysomething who is, as the title leans on, in tongues or in between tongues of the men he meets in alleys and a man who shows him the slightest bit of intimacy that allows him to go on, as Miranda July would suggest, All Fours.

I think Grattan works better in the short story form as this just seems extended, goes on for too long. Though there are certain moments where whimsy collides with the bittersweet to ache something in me, these are only small aches towards, I think, something larger for Grattan in a stronger and better work.

Sexy, gritty, and beautifully written. In Tongues is gorgeous and gay literary fiction; I loved Grattan's debut novel The Recent East. And I appreciate the ways in which In Tongue bears the mark of the same great writer but also feels like a total departure. It's unafraid to be dishy and fun while remaining undeniably in the literary fiction tradition. Hard to pull off, but Grattan does it. And a great New York novel as well.

From Thomas Grattan, the author of The Recent East, comes a hilarious and biting tale about a young gay man from Minneapolis named Gordon who, following a breakup from his boyfriend, Alan, finds himself on a bus bound for New York City.

Gordon, an adrift yet charming character, rents an attic above a garage in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and lands himself a job stocking shelves at a grocery store across the street. In his free time, he takes endless subway rides and cruises at Prospect Park. One night at a bar, he meets Janice and the two strike up a close friendship. Within a few days, he moves in with her, quits his job at Food Land, and starts work as a dog walker for Manhattan’s elite.

Among his clients are Phillip and Nicola, an eccentric older couple who own an art gallery. They take a liking to Gordon and offer him full time employment. As their personal assistant, he aids in looking after their properties, planning parties, and taking care of the dogs.

His hosting of an unauthorized party at Phillip and Nicola’s soon leads to his firing, after which Gordon flees to his father’s home where he is forced to confront their complex relationship.

Grattan, an excellent story-teller, has created a protagonist that, despite his self-destructive and often misguided ways, I couldn’t help but want the best for him. This is a wonderful read.

Thomas Grattan’s In Tongues was, honestly, super fun to read. It took me a minute to get into it, but when I did, I absolutely plowed through the book in one go. I found myself genuinely laughing during this book, especially during the first chunk, and quickly fell in love with Grattan’s writing style in this stunning slice-of-life novel. Gordon, ever floating and coasting through life, was almost painfully relatable in how often he felt lost. He’s the kind of character I found myself rooting for but also sometimes annoyed by, and not because Gordon himself was annoying, but rather because I saw so many of my own mistakes and thought patterns within his character.

This brings me to my largest praise for this novel: Grattan is a genius at writing mundane humanity. This novel was so shockingly human that it sometimes felt a little too real, and despite the fact that I blew through this read, there were times in which I wanted to put it the hell down because I was feeling a little too seen.

I would have loved to see more of Gordon’s story at the end of it all. Beautiful, human, and unapologetically queer, In Tongues was a fun read.

Thank you to NetGalley & Farrar, Straus and Giroux for this copy in return for an honest review.

A messy and at times tender portrayal of growing up and finding your place in the world. The characters were well crafted and I felt for Gordon in the difficult situation he is put in by himself and others. I liked how, throughout the book, the events of after the book were revealed, which made it feel more like a true story. The relationships in where In Tongues really shines, they're all difficult and complicated and none of them are straight forward. If you're the type of reader who wants a clear-cut plot and linear character development maybe skip this one but for those who like the meandering style I'd give it a go!

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley, the publisher, and Thomas Grattan for providing me with an ARC copy of "In Tongues" in exchange for an honest review. Let me start by saying that this book has quickly become one of my favorite reads of the year.

Grattan's writing style is nothing short of mesmerizing that kept me utterly captivated from beginning to end. While I typically struggle to enjoy "slice of life" novels, "In Tongues" proved to be an exception, showcasing Grattan's mastery in crafting a narrative that feels both intimate and profound.

Throughout the novel, I found myself immersed in Gordon's journey as he navigates the complexities of life in New York City, from his humble beginnings in Minnesota to his encounters with the glamorous yet tumultuous world of art and privilege. While there were moments where the pacing lagged slightly in the beginning and middle, Grattan's lyrical prose and keen insight into human nature kept me invested in Gordon's story.

What sets "In Tongues" apart is its exploration of the everyday dramas and tensions that shape our lives, from the subtle nuances of relationships to the messy decisions that lead us from one moment to the next. Gordon's struggles with identity, belonging, and ambition resonate deeply, making him a protagonist who is both relatable and complex.

Despite Gordon's flaws and vulnerabilities, I couldn't help but root for him as he grapples with his desires and aspirations. His journey of self-discovery is both poignant and thought-provoking, offering readers a glimpse into the kindness and cruelty that exist within ourselves and others.

In conclusion, "In Tongues" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that captures the essence of young adulthood's joys and devastations. While it may have faltered slightly in pacing at times, its compelling narrative and unforgettable characters more than make up for it. I'm rating this gem of a book 3.5 stars, with a round up to 4 for its sheer brilliance and impact.

Gordon, a young, gay man, is lonely. After a spontaneous move from Minnesota to New York City caused by a breakup, he finds himself alone and far from everyone and everything he knows. He befriends a lesbian bartender, Janice, and through her girlfriend, Meredith, lands a job walking dogs for the city’s wealthy. One pair of dog-walking clients, an old gay couple named Philip and Nicola, set him on a new path as they become a defining presence in his life. He quickly transitions to working as their full-time assistant which allows him to experience a life of luxury, but all his most important relationships are threatened as he gets more and more involved in their life.
Gordon’s need for acceptance and to be liked practically oozes out of this book it is almost painful. This was something he was so clearly denied by his parents and likely his peers for most of his life. It was interesting to see Philip as almost a mirror for Gordon, or a sort of look into his future, as they both put up with situations because they think they can’t/don’t deserve better, and to explore the dynamics between Gordon, Philip, and Nicola. I really liked Gordon as well. Certainly frustrating at times, he felt like a complete, flawed person. The one thing I would have liked to see more of was Gordon’s relationship with Janice (and Meredith to some extent).

I really loved this book! The character development was great. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are LGBTQ+.

This book was an interesting read for me. I was intrigued at the beginning and the characters were making me turn the pages, but unfortunately it really didn’t go anywhere. I wasn’t sure what the book was trying to say and ultimately felt let down. Not every book has to hit you over the face with meaning, but this one just missed the mark for me. I do think the author is talented and I will look our for their future work.

rly sad to have finished this one !! exactly what i was looking for: character development and movement with approachable stakes. i couldn’t put it down.

tysm to netgalley for this rockin arc

big thanks to the publisher and to netgalley for the advanced copy!

what a compelling character gordon is. while this is not necessarily the kind of book i tend to gravitate towards, personally, grattan does an incredible job of making the world feel real, vibrant, and lived-in. every character in this book feels honest, in that they are allowed to be many things at once: kind and thoughtful and shitty and selfish, all wrapped up into one. the prose was compelling, and overall i really enjoyed the ride.

Thomas Grattan moves queer literature forward with this tale of Gordon, an evil twink whose robustly rationalized strategic decisions lift him from a boyfriend's midwestern apartment (and the couch his ex bought that Gordon likes to think of as his) to the financial wing of New York's art scene, by way of some generous lesbians. You'll find no starving artists at the dinners and birthdays Gordon infiltrates, just well-heeled people who profit off them. In case you forget who Gordon is along the way and start to feel for him and his missteps along his social climb, he'll be quick to remind you and lose that goodwill. Grattan's prose and storytelling captured and held my attention for a one-sitting read. Enchanting, damning, and beyond engaging. Like Emma Cline's The Guest but for gay people.

Thank you to FSG for access to the digital arc on NetGalley, this will be the talk of my group chats.

I haven't been so affected by a novel in a long time. Gordon is an anxious, directionless gay college-dropout. After a breakup, he decides on a whim to leave Minnesota and get on a bus to New York City. At first, he works in a grocery where his taciturn boss, for some reason, goes by the name of Thor. After hitting it up with lesbian bartender who gives him free beers and allows him to live with her, Gordon then finds a quixotic job as a dog-sitter, something which eventually transforms into a more nebulous job as personal assistant to two older gay men. He sits as a model for a self-absorbed painter, holds raging parties in a luxurious apartment, has an affair with a German waiter, chases a paramour to Mexico. Gordon is a disaster, hopping from job to job, friend to friend, cruising in the park, and kissing and making love with anyone who shows interest, often more as an act of service than out of sexual attraction. All the while, he receives desperate, nostalgic emails from his fanatically evangelical father who has recently suffered a heart attack. But as with all the people in his life, Gordon can't figure out how to communicate. As the emails pile up in his inbox, he drafts half of a reply and then gives up. He is paralyzed by anything that requires emotional candor. Sex is the easiest form of sincerity which he can understand.

But this is not a melodramatic novel. Thomas Grattan's voice is masterful. Gordon is ironic, silly and sassy, always wisecracking (perhaps as a way to deflect from heartbreak). In so many ways, it's a familiar story—gay kid runs to New York, struggles with his relationship with his judgmental father, throws himself into casual sex—yet Grattan narrates it with a winning combination of goofy quirkiness and poignance. In its picaresque style, the novel reminds me of J.D. Salinger's "Catcher in the Rye" but in its acutely wry humor, a zany narrative of a gay man haphazardly trying to figure out a future, piecing together odd jobs, I am also reminded of Andrew Greer's "Less" and Emily Austin "Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead". What I particularly liked in this novel (and which I don't see in many queer novels) is how it captures the strange relationships between old and young gay men—the tension between affinity and attraction, recognition and repulsion—older men who want and want to help younger men, whose service to the next generation is subconsciously both paternal and prurient, younger men who relish being desired and appreciate being remunerated as well (though maybe don't reciprocate the desire). Gordon has to figure out—with all the queer people in his life—who really deserves his love and what love should look like. I was moved by the ending, a touching, tragic moment.

Wow, what a book!! In Tongues follows 24 year old Gordon as he moves from Minnesota to "The Big Apple". He's lost in more ways than one, and we get to experience his blossoming friendship with bartender Janice and his new employment as dog walker and assistant to a wealthy art gallery couple. This book had a surprising amount of heart and realness I wasn't expecting. Gordon was complex, messy, and a rare gem of a character, and I loved reading of his growth throughout the story. I'm such a sucker for queer lit-fic and this was perfect for a quick read that will tug on your heartstrings! Highly recommend! Thank you to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for this title!

In Tongues by Thomas Grattan follows Gordon, a gay man who decides on a whim to move to New York City, despite having no connections, ambitions, or financial support. There, he allows himself to be swept into an assistant position for a wealthy gay couple, where he must navigate the socially treacherous position of his employment that may or may not have nebulous and hidden strings attached.

This book takes place at the time of the September 11 attacks, but the tragedy sends only the slightest of ripples into Gordon’s circle. His life is a series of smaller, poignant tragedies; he cannot quite seem to harden himself against the world’s casual cruelties, even if he seems aware of their existence. He meets the world with an outward bravado that fools no one as he clumsily stumbles toward human connection, only to be tripped up by society’s phoniness and his own self-destructive tendencies.

Grattan evokes the contours of Gordon’s life with deliciously precise language that lies somewhere between witty and poetic. Although permeated with a bewilderment at life that alternates between the melancholic and angry, In Tongues manages to deliver a sort of bittersweet hope: it may not ever “get better” as the queer nonprofit slogan promises, but the wisdom that comes from weathering painful experiences holds its own worth.

TL;DR: In Tongues by Thomas Grattan is an intimate, sharply written character study of a lonely and sometimes self-destructive gay man who must navigate the bewildering and frequently cruel landscape of interpersonal relationships.

You might like In Tongues if you like . . .
• Slow-paced, character-focused literary fiction
• Themes of social alienation, queer identity, and complicated family relationships
• Stories that dwell in the darker, melancholy side of the human experience
• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• Books that take place in the early 2000s
• Messy and frustrating main characters
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of In Tongues in exchange for an honest review.