More Tales of the City

Entertaining as a slice of San F life in the seventies, though I suspect a very selective one! the books I've read so far are a kind of 'diary' narrative of a coterie of interlinked characters, based partly around a rather bohemian boarding house, giving it a rather soap opera feel. The characters are a bit self-consciously off-beat in a seventies vein and start To pall a bit for me by the third book. Maupin is very heavily reliant on small world coincidence in interlinking his various narratives and this does stretch credulity at times. Ok as sketches of human nature and interaction but limps a bit when he tries to inject a bit of mystery for me. As I say, fun to read but does run out of steam after a while. I'm now on book three and don't feel too inclined to take it any further. Believe later ones pick up his characters when some years have elapsed so that might be entertaining. Good style and convincing, witty dialogue.

Fantastic book - I first read these when in snippets (sent by post by a friend living in SF - no email in those days) from the San Francisco Times and again when first published - a real reminder of life in the 70's and 80's - but hey Amazon - just because I buy books by a Gay writer (not that it is relevant) - it does not mean that I only buy 'gay' products so stop focusing my 'things I may like list' with a focus on what you consider to be Gay products - anyone can read excellent and entertaining books and sexuality has got nothing to do with it!!!!!

A really cute, sweet, down to earth yet fun following of everyday lives of the types of people you either know or wish you did.

Back in San Francisco for the second book of the series, and it was wackier and wilder than the first instalment but still with the same quirky and likable characters. I loved the sleuthing as they try to uncover Mary Ann's boyfriend's past and although it seemed a bit far fetched in places I was gripped to the end. It's hard to believe this book is as old as it is - it reads as so contemporary. Funny and touching, Maupin's books are unique and fantastic.

Really felt the character development getting into gear in this second of the series. And loved the ludicrous stories! Really enjoying (re)-discovering this body of work!