What is the storyline in Such Times, its so difficult to understand.

In short, Such Times is a novel about gay men in the 1970s, especially in regards to the onslaught of the AIDS virus. The title of the work comes from the lines from early on:

It's hard to believe there used to be such times.

This is especially in regards to keeping both relationships and the seriousness of AIDS “in the closet” during that decade. The result of this was years of pleasurable sensation for...

In short, Such Times is a novel about gay men in the 1970s, especially in regards to the onslaught of the AIDS virus. The title of the work comes from the lines from early on:

It's hard to believe there used to be such times.

This is especially in regards to keeping both relationships and the seriousness of AIDS “in the closet” during that decade. The result of this was years of pleasurable sensation for these lovers which was followed by years of pain and loss.

Specifically, this is the story of Jasper’s and Timothy’s relationship (that went on for the greater part of 20 years). Jasper was much older than Timothy when they became lovers: Jasper in his forties and Timothy in his teens. There are various settings which homosexual relationships are explored: baths of San Francisco, boardwalks in New York City, Paris sidestreets, etc. There are many sensual outings as well as intimate scenes where feelings are shared between the (mostly male) characters.

Jasper is also the first of the two to succumb to the AIDS virus. It is at this point that Timothy wonders whether he should hide the fact he is HIV positive, but he decides that he would “cease to be [himself]” as a result. In this way, AIDS becomes a character itself. Timothy almost wins, … almost. And, in fact, only doubts his love for Jasper when Jasper gives in to the disease.