cover image Thanksgiving: An AIDS Journal

Thanksgiving: An AIDS Journal

Elizabeth Cox. HarperCollins Publishers, $18.95 (226pp) ISBN 978-0-06-016230-6

The tragedy of a New York couple recounted in this candid, poignant journal also serves as a means of catharsis for the first-time author, who is the widow of an AIDS-afflicted mate. Cox's pain over her impending loss was compounded by a sense of betrayal at the duplicity of Keith, who had not told her he was gay until he sickened. During months of nursing him she grappled with a need to reassess their relationship and protect their two-year-old son Luke from the stigma of his father's illness. Anger and fear vied with love while a growing exhaustion bred the author's resentment and despair. Keith died in 1987 after an intentional overdose of medication. His last words to his wife were, ``You are my victory. Luke will be my triumph.'' (Feb.)