Imaginary Boyfriends [TRADE PAPER ]

“ Midtown Manhattan was like a stifling greenhouse filled with exotic human orchids that couldn’ t survive anywhere else and its streets were littered with their broken blossoms. Adele, bless her heart, was one of them.”In his first collection, Imaginary Boyfriends, Manuel Igrejas spins eight tales of love, loss, sex, fantasy, and delusion, where characters who think they’ re clever often do foolish things.

A polished, theatrical performance of heartbreak, but one that never quite earns its encore.Kirkus Reviews

Although the book feels uneven in some areas, with some stories stronger than others, theres not much room for improvement.Imaginary Boyfriendsis a thoughtful and engaging read, sometimes sad, but also compassionate. If you enjoy character-driven stories and writing that explores honest feelings, this will make for great reading for you.Reedsy

In his debut collection of short storiesImaginary Boyfriends, Newark native Manuel Igrejas explores the themes of dreams, desires and the struggle to survive through an intriguing cast of complex characters featuring gay men and their quest to attain their dreams and desires amidst their struggle to survive. The authors witty prose and unforgettable characters transport us to places across the Garden State.Jerseys Best

Imaginary Boyfriendsis bursting with intoxicating characters and unforgettable stories, featuring gay men caught between their dreams and desires and their working-class lives and struggles to survive. With witty, handsome prose Igrejas transports us to bars, baths, beaches, businesses, and bedrooms where these clever fools search for passion and deeper emotional connections. A marvelous debut!Jameson Currier, editor Chelsea Station, author ofWhy Didnt Someone Warn Me About Prince Charming?

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