Just finished Michael Cunningham's latest novel, "By Nightfall," sitting by the fire on a beautiful fall afternoon. A rich tapestry of human relationships set against the backdrop of contemporary New York City. The narration of the novel worked well providing the opportunity for well placed editorial comment. The novel explores an interesting area (one I am particularly interested in), the relations and emotions felt and exchanged between men. Also of interest are the cultural references, literary, artistic, and even pop. Works of art become icons, the Hurst shark, Thomas Mann's "The Magic Mountain," Rodin's "The Age of Bronze." For one who likes sensitive, nuanced writing in both atmosphere and tone, this book will do the trick.
Here's a link to an interesting article somewhat related to the novel,
http://goodmenproject.com/2010/11/03/mostly-straight/