PWA: Looking AIDS in the Face

by Oscar Moore

Oscar Moore's "PWA" (Person With Aids) column in the " Guardian" gave us moving and informative insights into what it's like to live with the physical deterioration that Aids inevitably brings. Humane and witty and written with a tough-minded, dry humour, "PWA" proved to be a comfort to people, whether touched by illness or not. As Moore's postbag shows . . .

'You have talked about Aids without self-pity while continually reminding me of the important things in life that also make mine worth living' V., Bristol

'Thanks again for the humour you bring into our lives through your own frustrations and fears; maybe you can help us learn to appreciate and enjoy each moment of our lives, without the necessity to experience crisis' T., Eastbourne

'I have nothing in common with Oscar Moore. I'm writing to say "Don't give in." He won't, of course. He doesn't know how to' E., Milton Keynes

'Your fears, your vivid writing, your courage have given me great hope in the face of the ghastly, and seemingly unfair, experiences and symptoms we share. I hope that many, like me, have been fortified and humbled by your "joie de vivre" and courage' H., Exmouth

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, Biography

196 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[John Treat]

Were you not there? Back then? But you want to know what it was like? Then read this report from the AIDS front in the early 1990s. Everything rings true, except if you are an American like me you will be dumbstruck how Moore got his healthcare paid for by the government, not by friends throwing rent parties and bake sales.

[Linda Boa]

Full review to come at https://crimeworm.wordpress.com/
A book that leaves you with so much to think about...

[Kirsty]

Heartbreaking yet beautifully written. I finished the book in one afternoon and sobbed in places at the unfairness of it all. His battle with CMV was traumatic. Everyone should read this book.

[Carl O’Shea]

As moving as when I first read nearly a quarter of a century ago. Bold and brave. Honest and witty.

[Richard]

Staggeringly beautiful, sad and brave.