56 pages • 1 hour read
Justin TorresBlackouts
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Blackouts by Justin Torres follows an unnamed narrator, referred to as “Nene,” who visits his dying friend Juan Gay at "the Palace," where they explore their intertwined pasts and histories. Through their conversations and Nene's flashbacks, they delve into queer identity, LGBTQ+ history, and the life and work of Jan Gay, a pivotal lesbian sexologist. In their interactions, themes of trauma, institutional violence, and the reclamation of suppressed histories emerge. The novel also uses mixed media, including redacted pages from the real-life study Sex Variants: A Study of Homosexual Patterns.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Justin Torres’ Blackouts is a compelling exploration of memory and identity through fragmented narratives. Praised for its lyrical prose and innovative structure, the novel captivates but may challenge readers with its nonlinear storytelling and abstract themes. While celebrated for its emotional depth, the complexity might alienate those preferring conventional plots.
Who Should Read Blackouts?
Readers who appreciate complex narratives exploring identity, memory, and trauma will enjoy Blackouts by Justin Torres. Comparable to works like Beloved by Toni Morrison and The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien, this novel appeals to those fascinated by rich, lyrical prose and profound emotional depth.