Tramps and Vagabonds

4.25 stars. Aster Glenn Gray has a singular talent for historical romance that completely grounds the reader in the time period, accurately reflecting the news, the clothing, the speech patterns, and even the way of thinking. Tramps and Vagabonds, set in the 1930's American Midwest, is told through the POV of orphan and perennial drifter James, who reluctantly agrees to let a near stranger travel the rails with him after the two men finish a stint in the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps, a Depression-era work relief program). James figures that the slender, beautiful Timothy, who comes from a nice family, will last a few weeks at most before he's crying for his Mama. But Timothy takes to the hobo life rather easily, and the two have numerous adventures together during a memorable summer. But when the darker side of the traveling life rears its ugly head, the excitement and fun are replaced by hunger and danger. It's time for Timothy to go back home - but not alone, if Timothy has anything to say about it. Gray has obviously done her research about the tramps and hobos of the Depression (myth busted: they didn't carry bindles of their belongings on a stick - they wore everything they owned). She portrays the best of the vagabond life, including people who are willing to give James and Timothy a hot meal and a place to sleep just for doing a few odd chores. But she doesn't shy away from the worst, such as older “wolves” who consider younger “punks” sexual prey. And the ever present knowledge that one wrong move jumping onto a train can maim or kill you.James and Timothy start having casual sex fairly quickly. Timothy is beautiful and effeminate, but James is rougher and brawnier. James does not label himself as queer; as far as he is concerned he and Timothy are just BFFs who are using each other to scratch their sexual itches, and besides, “it ain't queer if you play the man's part.” Very subtly Gray shows how James catches feelings for his travel partner, even if there are no grand romantic gestures. The word “love” is never uttered by either MC, although James does reluctantly admit that he “kinda missed” Timothy's face. The future for two men who are together in the 1930s seems uncertain, but the end of the book suggests that they have found a place where they will be accepted if they are careful. Like Gray's [b:Honeytrap 55135062 Honeytrap Aster Glenn Gray https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1598478534l/55135062.SY75.jpg 85889122], the unlikely romance between a Russian spy and an American FBI agent during the Cold War, this isn't the book for you if you want hearts, flowers and eloquent vows of undying love. But it's the small moments, a tender gesture here or a jokingly affectionate word there, that somehow are even more satisfying. Spoiler alert for those who are bothered by romances that involve cheating: James sleeps with an older man he knows so that he and Timothy can have a warm, safe place to sleep. James views it as simply transactional, and the episode is presented as an accepted part of the hobo life, although Timothy is very unhappy about it for a while.