Captain Swing

Despite its lackluster title, Duplechan's atmospheric work reverberates with familial warmth and love, overlaid with robust humor, unaffected sweetness and an earthy Southern sensuality. Though protagonist and narrator, Johnnie Ray Rousseau, is gay, Duplechan's writing is so assured and his scenarios so beguiling that gay relationships here are merely one aspect of a larger and richer whole. Readers' first encounter the 30-ish Johnnie Ray--a singer of some renown--``high above some spot between L.A. and Louisiana'' as he returns to his Lake Charles, La., home hoping to make peace with his dying father, who is purportedly asking to see him. Fireworks fly when Johnnie Ray discovers the reunion was a ploy devised by his aunt (one of many colorful ``down home'' characters who impart considerable zest to the proceedings). More complications ensue when Johnnie Ray, grieving over the recent death of his lover, becomes attracted to Nigel, his 18-year-old cousin. Duplechan's ( Blackbird ) handling of their mutual attraction--and confusion--is at once graphic, realistic and tender without becoming mawkish. Indeed, the humorous interplay among all of these piquant characters buoys the action throughout, turning this book into a low-key charmer that quietly captivates. (Oct.)