Four Squares by Bobby Finger
From the beloved author of The Old Place comes a tender, funny, and fresh novel spanning the 1990s and present day, about a young writer and the community he builds in New York City, and his lonely life 30 years later when an unexpected injury lands him at the local queer senior center.
Artie Anderson wouldn’t call himself lonely, not exactly. He has a beautiful apartment in the West Village, a steady career as a ghostwriter, and he has Halle and Vanessa, who—as the daughter and ex-wife of his former partner—are the closest thing he can call family. But when the women announce a move across the country, on Artie’s 60th birthday no less, Artie realizes that his seemingly full life isn’t quite as full as he imagined. To make matters worse, a surprising injury strips Artie of the independent lifestyle he’s used to and pushes him into the hands of GALS, the local LGBTQ senior center down the street.
Since the death of his ex-boyfriend, Abe decades ago, Artie’s intentionally avoided big crowds and close friends. So, he’s woefully unprepared for the other patrons of GALS, a group of larger-than-life seniors who insist on celebrating each and every day. They refuse to dwell in the past, but Artie, who has never quite recovered from Abe’s death and the loss of his dearest friends, can’t shake the memories of his youth, and of the chances he did, and didn’t, take.
Stretching across the 1990s and the present day, Four Squares is an intimate and profound look at what it means to create community and the lasting impressions even the most fleeting of relationships can leave. With Bobby Finger’s signature warmth, humor, and wit, it is touching reminder that it’s never too late for a second chance at truly living.
Review:
If you’re looking for a heartwarming and poignant read, look no further than Bobby Finger’s “Four Squares.” This heartfelt and hilarious story follows the life of Artie Anderson, a ghostwriter living in the West Village who is about to face some significant changes on his 60th birthday.
Artie is content with his quiet life and close relationships with his ex-partner’s daughter and ex-wife until they announce they are moving across the country on his 60th birthday. Suddenly, Artie is faced with an emptiness he didn’t quite realize was there. With them gone, who will Artie spend time with? He decides to get involved with GALS – the local LGBTQ senior center – to pass the time and meet some folks. Artie isn’t yet ready to admit that he is almost a senior citizen, but he is willing to act as a volunteer at the center until an accident leaves him laid up and dependent on the services of the center.
Artie never considered himself lonely – he just had few friends – and he was content with that, but with no one around to help him out, he is left to reflect on his past and how we went from being surrounded by a wonderful group of friends to suddenly having no one close by who he can rely on. As Artie navigates his new reality and interacts with the vibrant and lively seniors at GALS, he is reminded of the importance of community and the profound impact that even the smallest connections can have on our lives. The residents refuse to let him wallow in the past, and with their support, Artie starts to confront his feelings about his ex-boyfriend Abe, who passed away years ago, and the friendships he had and lost over the years.
Through his storytelling, Finger delves into themes of loss, second chances, and the power of human connection. By interweaving the past and the present in alternating chapters, Finger takes us on a journey through Artie’s memories of his youth, his lost love, Abe, and the friendships that shaped him. He skillfully infuses warmth, humor, and wit into his narrative, creating a story that is both heartwrenching and uplifting. With each turn of the page, you’ll find yourself laughing, crying, and reflecting on your own life experiences. I certainly did.
I think many gay men – especially Gen-Xers such as myself, will recognize themselves in Artie. Growing up gay when it was considered to be one of the worst things you could be, it was difficult to find acceptance. Luckily for me – much like Artie – I found a close group of friends in college and those few years afterward who embraced me for who I was and showed me more love than I’d ever felt. Luckily, these friends are still around, and while I am single, I don’t feel lonely, mainly due to the friends that I have in my life. I could understand why Artie suddenly felt so alone after the final two people in his life moved away, leaving him to reflect on the importance of connections. While the book is at times very sad, the novel is ultimately very uplifting and filled with loveable, vibrant, and relatable characters.
But what really stands out in the novel is the message of hope and the idea that it’s never too late to make a change. Artie’s journey is a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to create the life we want despite our past mistakes or missed opportunities. We only have one life – so make the most of it!
Ultimately, this book is a reminder that it’s never too late to embrace change, take risks, and open yourself up to new possibilities. It’s a story that left me with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation for the relationships that truly matter.
