Plot summary, “What Belongs to You” by Garth Greenwell in 5 Minutes - Book Review
0"What Belongs to You" is a novel by Garth Greenwell, an American author known for his introspective and lyrical writing style. The novel was published in 2016 and is Greenwell's debut work. It's a notable contribution to contemporary LGBTQ+ literature and has received critical acclaim for its exploration of identity, desire, and human connection.
The novel is divided into three parts and is narrated by an unnamed American teacher who is living and working in Sofia, Bulgaria. The story revolves around his relationships, particularly his intense and complex connection with a young Bulgarian hustler named Mitko.
The plot unfolds as the narrator encounters Mitko in a public restroom and becomes infatuated with him. The two engage in a series of encounters that blur the lines between love, desire, transactional relationships, and exploitation. The novel delves deeply into the narrator's thoughts and emotions as he grapples with his attraction to Mitko and the complex power dynamics at play.
As the story progresses, the narrator's relationship with Mitko becomes more entangled, revealing the complexities of human desire, shame, and vulnerability. The novel also explores the narrator's own past, including his strained relationship with his father and his experiences growing up as a gay man in a conservative environment.
"What Belongs to You" is celebrated for its poetic and meditative prose, as well as its exploration of themes related to identity, sexuality, and the search for connection in a foreign and often alienating environment. The novel examines the universal aspects of longing and belonging while also delving into the specific cultural and societal contexts of Bulgaria.
Throughout the narrative, the novel raises questions about the nature of intimacy, the power dynamics in relationships, and the impact of one's personal history on the present. The unnamed narrator's introspective and observant voice guides readers through a deeply introspective and emotionally resonant journey.