‘Das Summen unter der Haut’ by Stephan Lohse

‘Das Summen unter der Haut’ [~the buzzing under the skin] by Stephan Lohse is set in Hamburg (Germany) in 1977. Sexual relations between men are still a crime.

A few weeks before the summer break, Axel joins Julle’s high school. Julle and Axel spend most of their time together—at the local swimming pool, in the woods, at each other’s homes. They become fast friends.

And Julle falls in love. But, except for his sister, no one knows that he is gay. He tries to hide his sexuality; forbids himself to look at the ‘things’ of other boys.

A beautiful summer book that has its depth, but is also wonderfully light and makes you laugh out loud.