The lucky star

Lesbians, bisexuals, transgender women, sex workers, strippers, and addicts congregate at the Y Bar in San Francisco's Tenderloin district, a sanctuary in a world violently opposed to their very existence. The bar is also a cauldron of jealous rivalries, gossip, and schemes. Francine pours the drinks and serves as referee. Richard, a solitary, watchful barfly, narrates. A transgender woman who named herself after her idol, Judy Garland, is the propelling protagonist; beset by insecurity and taking pleasure in pain, she is entangled with J.D., an alcoholic, retired policeman. Enter the preternaturally beautiful and charismatic Neva, who underwent a brutal mystical ritual that turned her into a sexual martyr compelled to give herself to all who seek her love. When Judy comes under Neva's spell, J. D. resolves to find out the truth about this erotic saint and undermine her bewitchment. Vollmann pours his signature fascination with outcasts, women's sexuality, violence, and injustice into this gargantuan, omnivorously explicit, ravening orgy of trauma and resilience. Rooted in interviews with women survivors, this is a molten amalgam of cynicism and compassion, horror and beauty.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Audacious and tireless writer-of-conscience Vollmann returns to the scene of his earliest works in this bound-to-be-controversial novel.--Donna Seaman Copyright 2019 Booklist

Vollmann's sprawling and provocatively playful novel revisits the sordid setting of his early collection The Rainbow Stories, where sexual desire shapes characters' self-expression and pursuit of love, power, and human connection. A circle of friends is bonded by their relationship to a character named Neva, often referred to as "the lesbian." They meet at a San Francisco spot called the Y Bar in 2015, where they find support in their collective company and become a de facto family. Among them are the matriarch, a bartender named Francine; Shantelle, a transgender prostitute; the largely unnoticed hard-drinking barfly Richard, who provides florid narration; and the starry-eyed Frank, who has renamed himself after his icon, Judy Garland. Vollmann elaborately researched the tumultuous life of the real Garland, lending passion and credence to Richard's extensive knowledge of the late singer. As Neva evolves from an innocent to an icon on par with Marlene Dietrich, at least in the eyes of the Y Bar circle, she guides and mentors their sexual self-discovery, helping define their boundaries and gain confidence. The Y Bar crowd's otherwise static plotlines are tightened by the interweaving of their common experiences. Vollmann's challenging novel is full of memorable moments. Agent: Susan Golomb, Writers House. (Feb.)

This latest from Vollman (Europe Central) reflects the author's dark view of humanity but also manages to reflect some light. Told from the point of view of a straight male narrator, the book revolves around Neva, called "the lesbian" throughout the tale, and the myriad characters, gay, straight, male, female, cisgender, and transgender, whom she loves and who love her. Neva is a regular at a dive bar in San Francisco's Tenderloin who retains a magical youth, a bottomless purse, and the ability to selflessly love anyone and everyone. The characters who inhabit the bar include transvestite Judy, retired policeman J.D., streetwalker Shantelle, and many more. The narrative describes countless sex acts in exquisite detail, drugs galore, and multiple drinks priced, purchased, and consumed. While the characters struggle with Neva's unconditional love, the plight of each becomes magnified. The suspicious nature of the retired policeman helps shine narrative light on Neva's origins. As Neva's world of unconditional love begins to crumble, she recedes and her loss becomes paramount. VERDICT This novel is premised on a powerful notion of a love magic that is severely tested in a laboratory of desperate human desire; highly recommended for those who like the scenic route home.--Henry Bankhead, San Rafael P.L., CA