How Long Has This Been Going On?

by Ethan Mordden

Book Overview

With dozens of characters in locations from New York to L.A., San Francisco to the heartland, this novel encompasses the entirety of the gay and lesbian experience in America since World War II. From the author of the Buddies trilogy and a regular contributor to The New Yorker.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679415297
• ISBN13: 9780679415299
• Release Date: April 1995
• Publisher: Villard Books
• Length: 590 Pages
• Weight: 1.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.8" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

The Definitive Gay History, c. 1950-Now

When I first finished reading this book, my reaction was simply, "Wow." Ethan Mordden manages to take five very different decades of gay history and distill them into a compelling story that shows where we've been, where we're going, and how we've changed over the years. The cast of characters is ever-changing yet constant, and his finale, in which his original 50's twink drag artiste is now the old man comforting the modern-day victim of a fag bashing is both encouraging and devastating at the same time."How Long Has This Been Going On" is that rare epic that manages to be very intimate and yet sweeping, and Mordden's keen eye for detail combined with his ability to create believeable characters makes this a real page-turner. Whether you're an old queen who grew up in the severely closeted days, a former clone from the 70's, a Cha-Cha boy who got smacked in the face with the reality of AIDS early on or a 90's always Out and Proud ACT-UPper, this book has something for you. But, beyond that, if you're straight and interested in modern gay history, this novel is the education you need. Mordden presents a panoply of diverse faces of a community, sometimes touching, sometimes pathetic, often hopeful. How long has this been going on? Forever -- and yet the stories Mordden present here are timeless. This novel is definitely a don't miss read.

We Are Everywhere.

Recently a friend of mine was elected head of a GLBT political organization. I gave him a copy of this book, and inscribed it to the effect that if he wished to fight for our rights than he should know whom he is fighting for.Mordden has the ability to cross the boundries of our omnipresent GLBT community. He also follows society's, and our own, perceptions of who we are. There is no niche in which to place us, no place where we cannot be found and no commonality in our community other than our sexual orientation.

Thus Far, THE Great American Gay Novel

This novel is an epic in every sense of the word. I forced myself to stop at 30-40 pages a day, just to savor the story and reflect on the characters. Over a period of 30+ years, the panorama of lives and events, and how they are all interrelated is breathtaking. Under no circumstances should one read the final chapter before digesting the entire book; I've never had a book affect me as much as this one, primarily because it is a series of GAY love stories, and I still get wet-eyed about the ending scene.

A sweeping and moving account of gay life

A wonderfully broad account of the modern gay movement, told in a thoroughly engaging way. The characters seem real...all of them, even the minor ones. I cried several times reading the novel...sometimes with happiness, sometimes with sadness. A thoroughly enjoyable (and educational) book. Highly recommended.

epic, dramatic, touching, funny, wonderful

This was the first piece of gay fiction I ever bought, and I don't think I could have made a better choice. I love this book. It took me through so many emotions, and I get very nostalgic when thinking about it. Perhaps my only problem with the book is that I was always waiting to see what would happen to one set of characters when the narrative switched to other events and places...like a soap opera that leaves you hanging, waiting for the next tidbit. But I think this book deftly explores first love, old love and true love in a deeply moving manner.