[Narrow Rooms] is a tightly woven short novel set in a rural Southern landscape….

Although there are some explicit love scenes between two men, Purdy's interest in homosexuality does not seem to be pornographic. Sidney, Brian, Gareth, and Roy are all misfits. In a sense, they are lost souls who have become victims of their own illusions. The strong drama of the four men is maintained by their obedience to an unspoken and unwritten code, making it seem as if they are acting out a predetermined fate.

The story is filled with moments of violence and passion. It is easy to become involved with the characters and share their hopeless frustrations, even as their twisted logic and odd behavior keep them distanced from us. No irrelevant details intrude into Purdy's concise narrative as it moves to its chilling, grotesque climax. (p. 71)

David Bianco, in Best Sellers (copyright © 1978 Helen...