The Medicine Burns: And Other Stories

by Adam Klein

Klein's debut fiction collection brims with images of boys and men who just don't fit in. They have acne; they are drag queens; they have club feet; they are social misfits; some even have AIDS. His variety of protagonists sheds new light on the role of the outsider in a society obssessed with beauty and sex.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1995

Reviews

[George Ilsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The final story, "India", was my favorite in this challenging collection.

There was a time in my life (the dreary 90s) where I vowed never to read another book which dealt with AIDS. This volume was published in the 90s and I guess enough time has passed for me.

This collection is not entirely AIDS-related stories, but all of the characters are damaged by disfigurement, disease, addiction, or just plain low self-esteem. It is not easy to read, and the material is not leavened by poetry.

[Liam Ostermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this collection of stories having read 'Clubfeet' in 'Men on Meb 5' and for that story alone I would award the book five stars but there are other fine stories in this collection which make it unique and worth reading. I can't help quoting the Goodreads synopsis:

"Klein's...boys and men who just don't fit in. They have acne; they are drag queens; they have club feet; they are social misfits; some even have AIDS...(they) shed new light on the role of the outsider in a society obssessed with beauty and sex."

You can describe these stories as linked, a series vignettes, possessing a single powerful narrative voice, or you can find something different in them, I wouldn't dream of prescribing that you must see the narrator as a single entity from the teenager in the first story 'Clubfeet' through to the dying man in the final story 'India'. What I like is that his varied and damaged protagonists speak out beyond the details of clubfeet, acne, drug addiction or AIDS. These young men are not defined by their specifics, in India the young man may be dying of AIDS or he could be consumed by survival guilt, the specfics don't matter it is as an examination of despair to personal discovery that makes the story unforgettable, that makes all his stories unforgettable.

A truly great collection of stories which haunt me and I will return to.

[Megz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great collection of short stories about men who are "different" - who, above and beyond their position in the LGBTQ community, have other attributes that make them uncomfortable, sometimes even unacceptable, to society.

The voice of each short story was unique, a different read each time. Some of the stories were hard to read, other pierced my heart as I could understand their pain. And therein the wonder in celebrating diversity: we celebrate not only our differences, but also our sameness.

This can be a seminal work in LGBTQ fiction, but also a powerful work in all categories, comparable to other great short story collections.

[endrju · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is a collection of stories and presumably the stories have little in common, it felt to me like a novel of sorts. Stories are ordered almost chronologically starting from childhood and ending with the death of the main character. The only part that I really did not like though are the stories that deal directly with AIDS (the middle part of collection), excepting the last one which is simply marvelous. The strongest part were the first three dealing with budding sexuality and feelings of being an outsider during childhood. All in all, I have more than enjoyed reading this.

[Chin-Sun Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came upon this book some years ago but have to say, it still lingers. A blistering, hilarious and poignant collection dealing with formative, coming-of-age experiences in the queer community. Among my favorite is "Club Feet"—OMG...just read it. A fantastically original book, highly recommend.

[Ralique · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea unfortunately. The stories had interesting characters, but felt bland.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting book. The last story stunned me. I don't think I've ever felt actual sickness transmitted so acutely across the pages. I really don't know what to feel. Some stunning moments in these stories and other times frustration. I do think some of these works are autofiction (based on the author's background). Prose-wise I would've loved more variation in the text/writing itself.

Oddly enough, this collection took longer than expected to finish.

I am on a mission to read most of High Risk Books' titles, even if out-of-print. This one was specifically formatted in electronic form but had some typos. Not the author's fault.

[John Treat · Rating 5 out of 5]

In hindsight, the first two stories (as well written as the rest) seem practice run for the rest, "Keloid" and "Dr. K" the best among them. Klein is a wonderful writer, and he has a way with endings: they seem arbitrary in a way, but perfect as well. Full of insight, even in the smallest things.

[Kieran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadness, gore and beauty. Again. I've read too much about this greeting with the reaper.