NPR's Book of the Day
'Idlewild' follows a queer, teen friendship in early 2000s New York
Dec 9, 2023
Author James Frankie Thomas discusses his debut novel 'Idlewild' which explores the intense friendship between two teenagers in 2000s New York. Topics include queer culture, fan fiction, self-discovery, and the challenges faced by trans individuals.
11:07
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Quick takeaways
- Idlewild explores the tension and unspoken desires in a friendship between a lesbian and a girl who is not attracted to women.
- The author's journey of self-discovery while writing Idlewild led him to reflect on his own identity and eventually transition.
Deep dives
Setting and Characters
Idlewild is a debut novel by author James Frankie Thomas set in a Quaker High School in Lower Manhattan. The story revolves around two teenagers, Faye and Nell, who form a close friendship after the 9-11 attacks. The book explores themes of friendship and intense relationships that often develop during high school.
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