The article examines two novels set in Asia focused on the coming of age of gay men, highlighting how they navigate desire and identity amid legal restrictions. Santanu Bhattacharya's 'Deviants' spans generations, criticizing the harsh realities of homosexuality under the influence of India's Section 377, while Tash Aw's 'The South' addresses similar themes in Malaysia. Through contrasting experiences, both authors emphasize the challenges of personal relationships that struggle against societal expectations and legal barriers, enriching the narrative of queer identities in contemporary South Asian literature.
Bhattacharya's novel explores three generations of gay men, highlighting the evolution of experiences amid societal pressures and shifting cultural norms within a repressive legal framework.
Aw's 'The South' enhances the understanding of identity struggles set against the backdrop of Malaysia's stringent laws on homosexuality while tackling themes of masculinity and love.
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