I Am Not Raymond Wallace

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Bukowski. No Mr; just Bukowski. Listen: I’m going to introduce you to Dolores, my secretary, who will give you everything you need. I’ll have a think and try to find you something which—what was the word you used?—captivates you, here, and I’ll look forward to reading the results.’ Raymond flushes with pride. ‘Yes. He—Professor Hurt—was particularly pleased with that one. I’ve got a copy if you’d like—’

I've just started rehearsals as composer for a hilarious new farce by Phil Porter, based loosely on the works of Plautus, called Vice Versa. It's directed by Janice Honeyman , and opens in the Swan Theatre in May...Through his research, he finds both himself and Joey, his life-long love. But the 20-year-old is torn between who he wants to be and the identity that family and society have carved out for him.

His novel’s protagonist is necessarily more reticent, and through him Kenyon gives us an elegant story of how shared values can alternately eviscerate or nurture. Doty lifts a book-shaped paper bag and hands it to him. ‘I’ll swap your notes for this,’ he says, standing up. ‘See you next week, Wallace, and if you do go to a bar, I wanna hear all about it,’ he adds, before slipping the papers under his arm and leaving Raymond alone once more. Doty grins, raising an eyebrow, then—noting Raymond’s blank expression, says: ‘You’re kidding: Queer as a three-dollar bill?’ Fuddy-duddy: that’s a great expression. Not at all. You look...like a gentleman. May I have your name?’ Though personal salvation may not be within his grasp, the career he forges as a writer allows him to bequeath understanding of this ageless predicament to future generations.That needs to be the case from now on. This divorce: it’s messy. Not that all divorces aren’t messy, but there’s money involved. And some not very nice people. Well: one not very nice person. And Mr B’s in the firing line. The reason you’re in here today is because he trusts you.’ Bravuro!! This debut novel by Sam Kenyon has got to be if NOT the BEST novel I have read in the last 3 years!! Doty puts his book down on the counter between them in such a way that its title is obscured from view. ‘Tell me, Wallace, what do you know about homosexuals?’ Raymond shakes his head, remembering his prepared, redacted version of the encounter. ‘Salesman, name of Joshua,’ he says. ‘Elegant, you might say, and perfectly respectful.’ Sam Kenyon is a writer, composer, performer and teacher. He studied English Literature at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, before training in Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music.

Like so many men of his time and of his kind, Raymond faces a choice between conformity, courage and compartmentalisation. An excellent quality in a writer, and utterly admirable in a young one. I can see why Hurt recommended you. What a pleasure, Raymond. I’d love to talk more, but I have much to be getting on with.’

Joey smiles, now—smiles, and Raymond is almost positive he even blushes. For the first time in the conversation Joey looks to his beer, conveniently empty. Raymond doesn’t hesitate to make this his cue: ‘Can I buy you a drink?’ Damian Barr’s Literary Salon tempts the world’s best writers to read exclusively from their latest greatest works and share their own personal stories. Star guests include Jojo Moyes, John Waters, Yaa Gyasi, Mary Beard, Diana Athill and Louis de Bernières—all in front of a live audience at leading glamorous locations world-wide. Our London home is the Savoy. Suave salonnière Damian Barr is your host. Something in Bukowski’s manner makes Raymond feel as though he’s in the presence of a Headmaster. ‘Yes. I’m Raymond. Raymond Wallace.’ He stands uncertainly, trying to catch someone’s—anyone’s—eye before realising that everyone is studiously avoiding him. He taps the nearest man on the shoulder. Get you into a bar, I mean,’ says Doty, placing his coffee cup on the counter as though in punctuation. ‘What do you say?’