Leo Charles
Nick’s first lover, whose life opens a London far outside the Feddens’ world.
Intimacy while protecting parts of his life from a family that does not know he is gay.
The book
Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeLeo is a Black British man from Willesden whom Nick meets through a personal advertisement.
He is older and more sexually experienced than Nick.
His religious family and working-class life differ sharply from the world Nick inhabits with the Feddens.
How the book draws them
- WarmHe gives Nick his first substantial adult relationship.
- Self-protectiveHe cannot easily bring Nick into his home life.
- ExperiencedHe introduces Nick to sexual life beyond fantasy.
- Class contrastHis world makes Nick’s privilege easier to see.
- Racially distinct experienceHe moves through London differently from Nick.
- Historically vulnerableHis fate brings the AIDS crisis into Nick’s life.
Rosemary tells Nick that Leo has died of AIDS.
The news changes Nick’s understanding of their years apart and his own possible exposure.
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