Dream Boy by Jim Grimsley

In Jim Grimsley’s Dream Boy, the trials and turmoil of first love between two adolescent boys in the hazy, autumn days of the South is explored. Nathan, a wise and quiet sophomore, finds himself drawn to his neighbor Roy, a handsome and popular senior, after his family moves to his sleepy town. Nathan and Roy soon become friends, and their relationship develops into that of a romantic one. Nathan battles a violent and abusive father, and finds comfort in both Roy’s barn, where he allows him to sleep, and the older boy’s arms.


As a first-time reader of Jim Grimsley’s work, I was blown away by his lovely style – which was as soft and sweet as the honeysuckle he describes within the vignette-like text of Dream Boy in numerous instances. Even passionate and gruesomely violent scenes are written tenderly, with euphonious vocabulary. Grimsley forges a bittersweet bond between Roy and Nathan that is sure to pull at the heartstrings of his readers. Dream Boy has inspired me to pick up more of its author’s work, and to recommend this short, but surreal tale to others.

Review by Natalie R.