THE DAYS OF ANNA MADRIGAL by Armistead Maupin

This ninth book in the beloved Tales Of The City series is to be the final according to Maupin and it is fitting that it is devoted to the matriarch of the clan from San Francisco, Anna Madrigal. Even at a spritely 92, she is the most vibrant of the characters and here we get to learn more about her upbringing in a Nevada whorehouse, her burgeoning desire to become a woman and reject her biological sex, and an early disastrous attraction. We also learn her name is not merely a clever anagram but also a tribute to someone she wronged. In addition, we also get an update on everyone else: the original group of friends (Michael, Brian, Mary Ann) and the younger characters introduced in the later books.

The novel possesses all of Maupin’s trademark humour, charm and lively plotting, but the most unique aspect of this novel is its focus on a group of older characters. Anna Madrigal is 92; Michael, Brian and Mary Ann are all 60 plus. Gay literature tends to be dominated by stories that focus on much younger characters and it is relatively rare to come across novels devoted to middle-aged characters, let alone senior citizens. So it is extremely refreshing to read about Michael’s issues as a 60-year-old gay man or Mrs Madrigal facing her physical decline. As the original fans of the series are also considerably older, they are likely to embrace this final installment not only with enormous pleasure but with the sense that Maupin is still reflecting their lives.