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32 Variations on a Theme by Basil II (in the key of washington dc); A Novel
Published by
Ten Times Three Productions, Inc, Washington DC, 2002
ISBN 10: 0964472236
ISBN 13: 9780964472235
Used
Trade paperback
First Edition
Signed
Seller: Ground Zero Books, Ltd., Silver Spring, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Trade paperback. Condition: Very good. Jyl Freeman (Cover photo) (illustrator). Presumed First Edition, First printing. vii, [1], 282, [4] pages. Inscribed by the author, Louis Harris, on the title page. The inscription reads: Dear Carol and Ken! I am so flattered in your interest in my book and very appreciative of your friendship. It means a lot to me. I hope you enjoy it. Love, Louis Harris. Set in Washington at the end of 1995, 32 Variations on a Theme by Basil II depicts the tribulations, interactions, successes, and disappointments of a group of friends during this time of political and cultural ferment. In snappy, fast-paced dialogue, the narration tells five intersecting stories, highlighting DC manners at it's manicured best and trashy worst. Mr. Harris has resided in the town about which he writes since 1984. He has the typical Washington existence: a policy wonk for a trade association bent on fulfilling its agenda before Congress and a variety of federal agencies. While the Basil Variations is his first piece of pure fiction, some would say that all of the 100,000 words he writes annually to promote his employer's agenda are also fiction. He diligently hopes the officials he seeks to influence pay these detractors no mind. In writing the Basil Variations, author Louis Harris adopts a literary form never before attempted: the theme and variations found in Classical Music. The story lines support a central theme, which weaves in and out through the action and dialogue, much the same way musical ideas do in variations composed by Brahms or Beethoven. As in music, tension in the story undulates, with mini-climaxes occurring at deliberate, proportionate intervals, with the biggest climax saved for the end. Gridlock between Congressional Republicans and President Clinton closes the government, casting thousands of workers and dependents adrift for an uncertain Christmas. City services have collapsed, leaving trash in heaps, potholes everywhere, and AIDs patients empty handed. How do people in DC cope? Does Basil finally get over his breakup and meet his perfect man? Will Mimosa succumb to the allure of yet another suave, Dutch gentleman? Can Randy summon the courage to leave Don in Philadelphia and return to his DC calling? Will Henri ever realize that the closeted, arch-conservative Edvard does not share Henri 's passion? In answering these questions, the Basil Variations poignantly draws parallels between the government collapse and the many dysfunctions in Washington 's gay community, such as narcissism, gender and racial segregation, social conformance, and self-homophobia. At the same time, it highlights Washington' s prolific cultural amenities, vibrant neighborhoods, and deep seated civic pride that ultimately survives the turmoil and forms the kernel for future rebirth. Seller Inventory # 81334