Elements of Recurrence

For decades, writer Edmund White has been a definitive voice in gay literature, especially in the United States. He’s written over 30 books, mostly on themes of same-sex desire; they are also are riddled with references to his own passions for art and music. Of particular interest are the frank discussions about psycho-sexual tensions with White’s father and how music offered a bridge to this otherwise distant parent. 

In conversation, Ed’s sweet demeanor sits uneasily with provocative assertions about culture and anecdotes about gay sex. We talked at his kitchen table, in view of books piled against one wall, and CDs along another two.