Rating: 
Summary: An excellent and sensitive book by a young writer
Review: "The Lost Language of Cranes" is an excellent book. David Leavitt tells a story on the relations between a Deep-deep-in-the-closet father and his Going-out-of-the-closet young son. David Leavitt portrays the difficulty of the father to be a homosexual at an age when it was nowhere near acceptable, his denial and self deceit and his current regret - the voice of the old generation(s). He adroitly describes the son's feelings of self-discovery with more than a flare of optimism and in great sensitivity and in the name of the new generation he proves that happiness and love are attainable through self acceptance.
Rating:
Summary: SUPERB
Review: A wonderful, literary, entertaining and realistic book about the deceptions, heartaches, joys and secrets engendered in a family where homosexuality exists. Though this book is already nearly 10 years old (or older?) it still feels contemporary, and I think that is because the relationships smack of the truth. I simply love the novel's poetic metaphor, that of the lost language of the cranes. For that reason alone it is worth taking the emotional journey of reading Leavitt's first, and I think best, novel.
Rating:
Summary: The Rich Language of Cranes
Review: Author David Leavit writes a brillant novel that I had a hard time putting down. While Phillip is confronting his changing relationship with his lover, Elliot, his father Owen is finally, confronting his homosexuality. Highly recommended. Each character is richly developed and textured, they feel like real people that you know. While the film is good, it uses London as a backdrop rather than the book's all-to-real-modern-urban life set in New York and in the transistion looses something.
Rating:
Summary: Characters I could relate to
Review: I first read this novel as I was getting over a crush, and about to enter what turned out to be a short but suffocating relationship with some bimbo Adonis. As a gay male, it was refreshing to read about characters that I could relate to, especially the protagonist.The setting was contemporary to my experience as well. I urge anyone who has just come out, and WANTS a stable relationship, to read this book.It offersa variety of relationship types, and it's left to the reader to decide what they want,and what they don't want.Remember never to give up hope, but always keep a belief in fate as well.
Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful, Beautiful Book!
Review: I loved this book. David Leavitt writes with such feeling and sensitivity that you really feel you get to know the people in his stories. His portraits of the young gay man coming out, the middle-aged closet case, and the wife who gradually grasps the fact of her husband's secret life, are done with such depth and understanding that we feel for everyone involved. Leavitt does not take a noticeable stance in favor of either side; one of his gay men is a self-involved jerk who evokes little sympathy, though one does pity him, in a way. Leavitt's novel, in short, is about human beings, with all our faults and foibles. This one will stay with you long after you finish reading it. Lovely and heart-wrenching.
Rating:
Summary: Remarkable Novel
Review: I read this book for a class, and enjoyed it much more than I ever expected, especially in retrospect. I think it takes a little time to really get into, especially because Leavitt jumps back and forth between the three main characters and storylines, but once you get into the rhythm of the story, you are drawn in. Leavitt does a great character study of Owen, Rose, and Philip, and by the end of the novel, I felt like I knew them. Leavitt has an accessible wrting style, but the book itself is very literary and complex. For a first novel, especially, I think it's exceptional.
Rating:
Summary: Remarkable Novel
Review: I read this book for a class, and enjoyed it much more than I ever expected, especially in retrospect. I think it takes a little time to really get into, especially because Leavitt jumps back and forth between the three main characters and storylines, but once you get into the rhythm of the story, you are drawn in. Leavitt does a great character study of Owen, Rose, and Philip, and by the end of the novel, I felt like I knew them. Leavitt has an accessible wrting style, but the book itself is very literary and complex. For a first novel, especially, I think it's exceptional.
Rating:
Summary: Leaves a lasting impression
Review: It is so rare for me to read a book that leaves such a resounding vibration in my mind. I read this book when I turned 16, it is a year later now, and as I reread the book it holds as true now as it did then. It is both sad and terrifying when you can so closely identify with a character going through a difficult time. At the time that I read the book I was getting over a relationship that should have never existed. The way that I interacted with my ex was the same way that Phillip and Eliot acted toward one another. It not only opened my eyes to the fact that I shouldn't have been in this situation due to the fact that it was unhealthy, but that I could change; there was hope for me yet. I would tell anyone that is feeling sorry for themselves over the fact that their first love, or anyone for that matter, has left them to pick up this book and read it. It will help. Sometimes, what you need is right there in front of you, you just don't see it.
Rating:
Summary: One word "amazing"
Review: Read this book while its still available! Its language is so simple yet it touches you with a ferocity thats unthinkable!
I could relate to every charecter and that was the most freaky part!The charecters in this book are rich and full of life. The plot is very engaging and what more can one say about a book thats so beautiful it makes you weep with joy! Bravo Leavitt and the rest of you read it!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent gay literature speaking in a distinct voice
Review: The Lost Language of Cranes is the only book I have ever read by this author. Still, its evocative style and powerful prose made a lasting impression. The author tells a story of two generations of gay men, a father and son in the same family, both in their own particular closets. The pain these characters suffer is both palpable and moving. Most beautiful is the author's use of the allegory of linguistics and feral children, in particular people struggling to develop a language in which they can communicate. The image is poignant and made more powerful with repetition. Each example given is subtly different, yet telling about the life of gay men and lesbian struggling to find a language that they can call their own. A wonderful read for any one, gay, straight or otherwise.
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