An early work from Burroughs about queer longing that still feels contemporary.

I've been going through Burroughs' novels starting with "Junky" which I did not particularly like. "Queer", on the other hand, I found to be a poignant story of frustrated desire. Originally meant to be published with "Junky" as a juxtaposition of need and desire, "Queer" stands on it's own. Where I found "Junky" flat, disjointed, and it's shock value significantly diminished from time and more progressive attitudes,  "Queer" was better written & edited, the story vulnerable and emotionally brutal. And despite the introduction's claims, "Queer" has a straightforward narrative with a more developed plot and characters than "Junky." The background of Mexico City and expat life in all it's excesses and abuses was also excellent. 

I have yet to see the movie, but if you've never read Burroughs before, be forewarned that his protagonists are not likeable or of upstanding moral character; in fact, they're often pathetic and repugnant. However, that is not a prerequisite for good writing or even relatability to aspects of "Lee." (And skip the introduction if you don't want spoilers.)

Burroughs should have published this one and not waited decades.