Pedro & Daniel

 Mature YA/adult fiction 

    "Many of the stories in this novel are difficult to read.  They were difficult to write.  Those who have known any of the many forms of abuse depicted in these stories may experience triggers.  Please see the resources listed below.  There is help either a click or a call away.  Please ask for help."

     Federico Erebia's Pedro & Daniel is one of those books that affirms my belief that the generic YA is way too broad a classification, spanning the seven years where the most cognitive and emotional change occurs in a person's lifetime.  It isn't something you want most sixth graders reading.  But for the more mature high schooler as well as adult reader it can be a thought provoking and affirming read.

     Although Pedro & Daniel is a work of fiction, it is based on Erebia's relationship with his own beloved brother, Daniel, who died of AIDS in 1993 at the age of thirty.  Writing the novel was an act of bringing him "back to life" through its pages.

     The first part of the book is basically a horror story.  The boys' mother was seriously mentally ill.  Her extreme physical and psychological abuse made their childhood one of walking on eggshells to avoid setting her off.  And all the adults who should have intervened turned a blind eye to their plight.

     They have one source of comfort and support:  each other.  When Pedro, the older brother, is told to bring his one true treasure to show and tell in kindergarten, rather than share a possession, he brings Daniel in.  Their evolving relationship is a ray of light in what otherwise is a shitsttorm.

     The Catholic Church is a major influence in the family's life.  It's very much a place where they don't practice what they preach.  Although the official doctrine condemns gays to burning 🔥 in Hell for all eternity, some of the priests take advantage of young male congregants.  In one ironic episode Daniel, who is then a student in seminary, is outed to the administration by the priest who has just slept with him.  While Daniel is expelled, the priest suffers no consequences whatsoever.

     Through those years, even when separated by distance, the brothers' bond strengthens, only to be met with the ultimate test.  Daniel is diagnosed with AIDS.  As for Pedro:

     "I feel so useless.  I'm a gay HIV provider, and I can't help my own brother with AIDS.  This is a special sort of hell on earth."

     Pedro & Daniel is one of the books that the self appointed censors will come after all pitchforks and torches when they learn of its existence.  It's one that needs to be defended.  For people including teens mature enough to handle the subject matter it's engaging and enlightening.  For people experiencing similar kinds of abuse it can be a lifeline.

Jules Hathaway 

     

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