Without One Plea: A Novel

Ben Mitchell
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9780595458332
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (01/10)

I have to say without a doubt this was one of the most fascinating books I have read regarding gays. It still amazes me today that in the world of high tech we still don’t understand gays and lesbians.

Ben Mitchell has done his research. I have read many other books on this topic, but his ability to get into the minds of his characters, his research and his descriptions of how the South views this topic was incredible.

Chet Monroe is everyone’s dream child- he has a great job, is passionate, religious and a momma’s boy. Yet, he is not happy. He has to go home to take care of his mom who is ailing. Yet, he has a secret that will have a great impact on his life returning home. No one knows his private life with his male lover. Chet and Drew make a decision to return to his hometown thinking that they can keep their secret, but it all goes crazy. Chet thinks he can be the hometown hero, even though his sister says things have changed and one big change is in the church Chet used to attend. Brother Gene, the current pastor, thinks something is amiss with Chet and Drew and he is determined to find out what it is and expose Chet. Once the pastor gets an idea in his mind, he is obsessive with it.

Drew and Chet decide to break up, not because Chet wants it but Drew can’t handle the small-mindedness of the town. It will take all Chet can do to survive in a town that once loved him. You will love some characters, admonish others and hate some. It will certainly make readers think about where they stand on treating others as we would want to be treated. One of the things I really got out of this reading is that we fear what we don’t understand.

“Without One Plea” by Ben Mitchell is an absolutely incredible read; once you start you will begin to live the characters lives.

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