What becomes of the brokenhearted

E. Lynn Harris, a name synonymous with accessible, emotionally charged Black LGBTQ+ narratives, left an indelible mark on contemporary fiction. This memoir, compiled posthumously from his writings and interviews after his untimely death, serves as a mosaic of his journey from humble beginnings in Arkansas to becoming a New York Times bestselling author. It’s a raw, often vulnerable exploration of his struggles with sexuality, faith, and the relentless pursuit of self-acceptance, painting a picture of a man who, despite immense public success, wrestled with deep personal turmoil, ultimately making his story an essential read for understanding the literary landscape he helped shape.

The book doesn't shy away from the complexities of Harris's life, chronicling his early career as a computer salesman, his eventual pivot into writing, and the often-fraught relationships that defined his personal landscape. We see the genesis of his iconic characters and the inspiration behind the themes of hidden lives, secret loves, and the search for belonging that permeated his novels. There's a palpable sense of a man trying to reconcile his public persona with his private truths, a struggle that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant, particularly for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider looking in, constructing their own reality.

Harris’s voice, even filtered through the compilation process, comes through with remarkable clarity and candor. He writes with an earnestness that makes even his most difficult admissions feel relatable, inviting the reader into his innermost thoughts and fears. The narrative structure, while occasionally disjointed due to its nature as a posthumous compilation, nevertheless succeeds in building a comprehensive portrait of an artist grappling with identity, fame, and the weight of representing a community often underserved in literature. It's a testament to his enduring spirit and the power of storytelling to illuminate the human condition in all its messy glory.

However, the book's greatest strength — its raw, unfiltered quality — is also its most significant weakness. The compilation, while diligent, sometimes lacks the cohesive narrative arc one expects from a polished memoir, occasionally feeling like a collection of journal entries rather than a fully integrated story. There are moments where deeper introspection feels cut short, or certain threads are left unexplored, leaving the reader wanting more complete thought or a more thoroughly developed emotional trajectory. This isn't a failing of Harris himself, but a consequence of the book’s origin, preventing it from reaching the same literary heights as some of his more meticulously crafted novels.

Ultimately, 'What Becomes of the Brokenhearted' is a necessary addition to the understanding of E. Lynn Harris, offering invaluable insight into the man behind the groundbreaking novels. It’s a testament to his courage, his vulnerability, and his unwavering commitment to telling stories that mattered, even when those stories were his own, providing a vital snapshot of an author who dared to carve out a space for himself and countless others in the literary world. This memoir, despite its structural imperfections, stands as a powerful, personal document of a life lived with passion and purpose, a life that challenged norms and redefined expectations, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of identity, art, and the human spirit.