Jericho Brown's Please is a deeply moving and powerful novel that examines issues of love, identity, community, and self-expression. It follows the story of a young black man, named Eugene, as he struggles with intimacy, emotional connection and personal expression.
The narrative begins with Eugene in his late twenties, living in New Orleans and working as a desk clerk in a hotel. He is living in a state of loneliness, feeling unable to fit in anywhere. He has romantic entanglements with three women, but is unable to remain emotionally connected with any of them. His unfulfilled yearning for love and fulfillment is evident throughout the novel.
At the center of the story is Eugene's search for a place to belong. He moves to Houston, only to find that he can never truly fit in. He befriends a local homeless man, who helps him to see one of the things he's been avoiding - responsibility. It is through his relationship with this man that he begins to make progress towards realizing what he truly wants in life.
Eugene's story narrates his journey to self-fulfillment, through intense personal exploration. He is driven to make sense of himself, seeking out understanding and acceptance. He explores his religious beliefs, his racial identity and sexuality. His search for identity leads him to New York, where he meets a group of people that accept him for who he is.
Throughout the novel, Eugene continues to battle with issues of love and connection. He experiences moments of joy and happiness, but is unable to find stability in any of his relationships. His longing for love and connection is amplified throughout the novel. Eventually, he comes to understand that he must accept himself before he can accept another person.
The themes of the novel are universal, evoking emotion and connecting readers to Eugene's struggles. Jericho Brown's debut novel offers a unique and complex look at identity and belonging in a contemporary world. It speaks to any reader who has ever felt disconnected or alone, and speaks to the power of connection and acceptance.
The novel concludes with Eugene finally being able to accept himself, and finding the courage to reach out and express his love. He is still searching for that final connection, but has the tools to find it. By the end of the novel, he is able to find peace within himself, allowing him to be happy and connected to those around him.
Please by Jericho Brown is a powerful novel that touches on timely issues facing young people. It is an emotional journey full of moments of love and joy, but with a hint of pain and loss that make it all the more captivating. It is a book for readers of all ages, inspiring them to find in themselves the courage to be true to themselves, and to find connection, expression, and belonging in a world that so often seeks to strip us of our individuality.
